Vice President Dhankar Warns Against Weaponizing Parliamentary Disruptions

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar warned that the weaponization of parliamentary disruptions as a political strategy could seriously threaten democracy. Following a walkout by Opposition MPs protesting the Union Budget, Dhankar criticized the tactic and emphasized the importance of adhering to parliamentary rules and norms.

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar has issued a grave warning about the potential dangers of using parliamentary disruptions as a political strategy, stating that it could 'seriously threaten' democracy. His comments came in the wake of the Opposition MPs' walkout in protest against the Union Budget.

Dhankar highlighted that though he permitted the Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, to speak, it was leveraged as a strategic ploy by the Opposition. 'I gave the floor to the Leader of the Opposition in expectation that rules will be followed. It has been used as a ploy and a strategy,' he noted.

In response to the walkout, Dhankar expressed his displeasure and termed the actions as an 'unwholesome practice.' He called for introspection from party leaders, mentioning that Parliament should reflect Constitutional and democratic values. He also reiterated that Suspension of Business under Rule 267 should only be invoked in 'exceptional circumstances.'