Congress Chief Kharge Responds to Dhankhar’s Invitation: ‘Out of Delhi,’ Proposes Meeting Upon Return

Tensions between the government and the opposition have intensified as Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of premeditated actions in the mass suspension of Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. This revelation came in response to Vice President and Chairperson of the Upper House Jagdeep Dhankhar’s invitation for discussions on various matters.

In a letter to V-P Dhankhar, Kharge expressed his concerns, stating that the mass suspension “seems to be predetermined and premeditated by the government.” This exchange of words between the political leaders reflects the growing discord over the suspension of MPs during the Winter Session.

Kharge, who is currently out of Delhi, responded to the invitation, proposing a fresh meeting upon his return to the national capital. “While I am currently out of Delhi, it would be my privilege and indeed my duty to meet you at your earliest convenience as soon as I am back in Delhi,” Kharge wrote in his letter.

The communication between Dhankhar and Kharge has been ongoing, with both leaders exchanging views on issues related to the suspension of MPs, disruptions in Parliament, and the passage of Bills. Dhankhar expressed his dismay in an earlier letter, describing Kharge’s rejection of his offer for interaction in the Chamber of the House as “unwholesomely unprecedented” and “not in sync” with established parliamentary practices.

Kharge, in agreement with Dhankhar’s suggestion to move forward amid the issues following the Winter Session, emphasized the need to adhere to the Constitution, parliamentary practices, and democracy principles. He contrasted this with what he described as an “authoritarian government that is bent upon subverting the Parliament.”

Dhankhar, in his previous letter, claimed that the disruptions in Parliament were “deliberate and strategized” and took the “unpleasant step” of suspending the MPs after exhausting other means, including brief adjournments and seeking interactions.

Kharge, in response, recalled his notice under Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha, seeking Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement on the security breach incident on December 13. He expressed regret that the Chair condoned the attitude of the Home Minister and the government, which chose not to make a statement on the floor of the House.

The security breach incident on December 13 involved two individuals jumping into the Lok Sabha Chamber from the visitors’ gallery, prompting demands from the Opposition for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The subsequent series of suspensions and a premature sine-die adjournment of the session added to the already heightened political tensions. A total of 146 MPs, 100 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha, were suspended in the aftermath of the incident.