Nadda Slams Congress Over 'Cheerleader' Remark Against Rajya Sabha Chairman

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] December 12 : Union Minister JP Nadda strongly criticized Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge for questioning Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar’s rulings. “The Chair cannot be questioned with regard to admissibility or for any other purposes. The Chairman's ruling cannot be questioned or criticised; to do so is contempt of the House and the Chairman. It is very sad that yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, a very senior leader criticised the Chair during a press conference. This sets a wrong tradition that should be condemned by everyone,” Nadda said, calling such actions a "wrong tradition" that must be condemned. 

Nadda Responds to Kharge’s Participation Claims

Addressing Kharge’s allegation of not being given opportunities in the House, Nadda highlighted the Chairman’s invitation to Kharge to participate in discussions. He added, “He did not take part in the last BAC meeting, this shows how much interest he has in democracy.” Nadda’s remarks stressed a bigger critique of the Congress’s position in parliamentary processes.

Congress Accused of Damaging Constitutional Values

Nadda condemned Congress’s official social media handle for calling the Chairman a “cheerleader,” describing it as a serious insult to constitutional values. “The way an attempt has been made to demean a constitutional position is a blow to constitutional values. People of India will not excuse this,” he stated. He also referred to a Congress leader supposedly mocking the Chairman with mimicry in the Parliament building. “Congress is neither interested in constitutional processes, nor has respect,” he added.

Allegations of Distracting from Key Issues

Nadda alleged that the Congress press conference was an effort to divert attention from significant issues, specifically mentioning the party’s links with George Soros. “What is the relationship between Sonia Gandhi and Soros? What he does to destabilise the country, Congress follows like a puppet. It can't be condemned enough,” he said, blaming Congress of demoralising national stability.

Kharge Responds During Heated Arguments

Mallikarjun Kharge contradicted Nadda’s claims, stating they were a strategy to redirect from vital matters. As Kharge spoke, the Chairman interrupted, asking if he had accepted his invitation. The proceedings ended with the House being adjourned until 2 pm following heated arguments between Treasury and Opposition benches over a no-confidence notice against the Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Parliamentary Block Continues

The Rajya Sabha’s inability to function effectively highlights ongoing tensions between the government and the Opposition, with allegations of disrespecting constitutional norms and values fueling the conflict.

 By Manasa Permulla