Rajya Sabha Chairman Slams Opposition Members' "Indecent Conduct" and "Disrespect"

New Delhi- In the midst of the controversy over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar has called for an end to the protests against her disqualification.

On Thursday, Dhankar also called the opposition members' behavior "indecent conduct" and "disrespect" to the chairman of the House.

Dhankhar described the situation in the House as "unprecedented" and "indigestible," emphasizing the need for "tough decisions" and stating that "sublimity has been misunderstood as fragility, persuasion has been misunderstood as weakness."​

Earlier, Dhankhar temporarily stepped down from presiding over the House, citing a lack of support. This incident occurred after opposition members walked out in protest over the House's refusal to discuss Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024.​

"Making this sacred House a centre of anarchy, attacking Indian democracy, tarnishing the dignity of the post of the Speaker, this is not just indecent conduct, this is conduct that crosses all limits... What I have been seeing in recent days and the way the challenge is being given through words, letters, through newspapers, how many wrong comments have been made. This challenge is not being given to me but this challenge is being given to the post of the Chairman. And this challenge is being given because they (opposition) think that the person sitting on this post is not worthy of it..." Dhankar said.​

Dhankar expressed anguish at opposition members showing "disrespect" to the Chair. "For some time... unable to sit, (leaving) with heavy heart," he said. On his leaving the House, the Chairman said that he was not "running away" from his oath.​

"You set aflame democratic traditions... insult to the chair," the Rajya Sabha chairman said referring to the protests in the House.​