Dhankhar Extends Another Invitation to Kharge, Urges Meeting Tomorrow

The letter exchange between Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar shows no signs of resolution as tensions escalate over the issue of dialogue and interaction. Following Kharge’s assertion in his December 22 communication that he supports dialogue and discussion, Dhankhar’s office delivered another letter to Kharge on Saturday evening, highlighting perceived rebuffs.

In the letter, Dhankhar expressed disappointment that despite repeated requests for interaction during the entire session, his efforts were met with rejection by Kharge. He referred to the rejection of his offer for interaction in the chamber and characterized the situation as unprecedented and not aligned with established parliamentary practices.

Kharge had earlier expressed hope that Dhankhar would accommodate Opposition concerns and uphold the basic principles of parliamentary democracy. In response, Dhankhar defended the suspension of Opposition MPs, citing deliberate disorder in the House, including sloganeering, raising placards, and entering the well of the House.

Dhankhar stated that all efforts were made to restore order in the House before resorting to suspension. He also alluded to the deliberate and strategized nature of the disorder, without explicitly naming the Congress party’s role in it. Additionally, he mentioned an incident involving Rahul Gandhi filming a mimicry incident, emphasizing a similar recourse taken when a Congress member videographed proceedings.

Despite the ongoing exchange, Dhankhar extended an invitation to Kharge for a meeting at his residence on Monday, stating, “We need to move ahead.” The letter suggested a meeting time on December 25 at 4 pm or a time convenient for Kharge at Up-Rashtrapati Niwas.

The exchange underscores the deepening rift between the Congress and the Rajya Sabha Chairman, raising questions about the prospects for dialogue and cooperation in the coming sessions.