Rajya Sabha adjourned post Heated Argument Between Rajya Sabha Chairman and TMC MP

New Delhi, July 28, 2023: The monsoon session of Parliament witnessed a dramatic turn of events on Friday as Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O’Brien engaged in a heated argument, resulting in the abrupt adjournment of the House for the day.

The clash ensued when Dhankhar was interrupted by O’Brien, who was demanding a discussion on the Manipur violence and the non-admission of opposition members’ notices under Rule 267. O’Brien thumped the desk to emphasize his point, leading Dhankhar to adjourn the proceedings.

As many as 47 MPs from various parties, including Congress, Left parties, TMC, SP, AAP, NCP, and DMK, had submitted notices under Rule 267, which calls for suspending the listed business and taking up the raised issue. The repeated denial of such notices prompted the outburst.

Expressing his dismay, Dhankhar termed O’Brien’s behavior as “theatrics” and asserted that such conduct would not be tolerated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and respect in the House and called for members to rise above partisan interests.

“We in this House are to exemplify actions that inspire and motivate people at large. Having the same scenario every day does not evoke the respect to which we should be entitled,” Dhankhar stated.

O’Brien persisted in pushing for the discussion under the rule, but Dhankhar took exception to his actions, leading to a confrontation. The chairman adjourned the House for the day and expressed his intention to discuss the matter with leaders of political parties.

The monsoon session has been marked by the opposition’s demand for the suspension of rules, while the chairman has already agreed to a short-duration discussion on the issue. The clash highlights the growing tensions between the ruling and opposition camps during the ongoing session.