'Won't tolerate this': RS Chairman rebukes Congress Chief for alleged insult to Charan Singh

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered a stern rebuke to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday, accusing him of "insulting" former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, who was conferred with the Bharat Ratna award on Friday. Dhankhar said he would not "tolerate any insult to Chaudhary Charan Singh".

The ruckus took place after Kharge questioned the Speaker's decision to allow Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary to address the House. Following the RLD's announcement of an alliance with the BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Kharge's objections sparked a verbal duel, with Dhankhar accusing him of disregarding Chaudhary Charan Singh's contributions and demeaning the farming community.

Expressing his discontent, Dhankhar addressed Kharge directly, stating, "You virtually insulted Chaudhary Charan Singh, you insulted his legacy. You had no time for Chaudhary Charan Singh. You are hurting every farmer in the country by creating such an environment inside the House on the issue of Chaudhary Charan Singh."

The contentious exchange escalated further when Jayant Chaudhary, acknowledging the government's recognition of his grandfather's contributions, was interrupted by Congress members, prompting Kharge to demand clarification on the parliamentary rules permitting Chaudhary's address. 

"There is no debate on honouring leaders with Bharat Ratna. I salute everyone. But if a member wants to raise an issue, you (chairman) ask 'under which rule'. (I want to know) under which rule he (Jayant Chaudhary) has been allowed to speak. Give permission to us also. On one side hand, you talk about rules...You have discretion... that discretion should be used judiciously and not when you want...," Kharge said, leading to a huge uproar in the House.