In Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised objections to Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar expunging parts of his response during the motion of thanks on President Droupadi Murmu’s address. Kharge, speaking in the Upper House, insisted that the expunged remarks be reinstated. Referring to Rule 238(A) and Rule 238(5) of the Rajya Sabha’s rules and procedures, the Congress leader argued that he hadn’t violated any rules as he didn’t mention anyone by name in the expunged remarks.
Kharge emphasized Rule 238(A), stating that no defamatory or intimidatory allegations should be made without prior intimation to the Chairman and the concerned minister. He further pointed out Rule 238(5), which allows discussion on the conduct of persons in high authority only through a substantive motion. Kharge asserted that his speech adhered to these rules and that two pages were unjustly removed from the House proceedings.
He clarified that, according to the rules, there was no requirement for prior notice since the person in question wasn’t a member of the House, and his statements were based on factual situations. Kharge defended his right to discuss issues during the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address and objected to the expungement, emphasizing that he didn’t mention any chief minister or state.
In response, Chairman Dhankar assured Kharge that he would give his ruling on the matter after reviewing the submission. Dhankar expressed a willingness to reconsider any unparliamentary expressions and suggested the possibility of forming a committee for the purpose. The Chairman concluded that he would address Kharge’s concerns and provide a ruling on the expunged remarks.
