Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has strongly criticized the opposition parties for their continuous disruptions in the Rajya Sabha, claiming that such actions have turned the Upper House of Parliament into a "laughing stock" in the eyes of the public. His comments came as the Opposition once again caused interruptions during the proceedings, hindering the smooth conduct of business in the House.
Addressing the media, Dhankhar, who also serves as the Rajya Sabha Chairman, expressed frustration over the frequent disruptions, which he said were damaging the credibility of the Rajya Sabha. "We have become a laughing stock, not only in India but internationally, with the repeated disruption of parliamentary proceedings," he remarked. Dhankhar's comments come after several sessions of the Rajya Sabha were marred by protests, noisy scenes, and protests by opposition lawmakers, often leading to the suspension of sittings.
The Vice President's statements have sparked a debate over the role of the opposition in the functioning of the Parliament. While the opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns over issues such as the government's policies and the lack of discussion on key matters, Dhankhar emphasized that disruption is not the solution. He called for a return to decorum and order in the Rajya Sabha, urging all members to respect the parliamentary process.
Opposition leaders, however, have defended their actions, claiming that disruptions are often the only way to make their voices heard when their concerns are ignored by the ruling party. They have accused the government of stifling dissent and preventing meaningful debate on important national issues. Despite this, Dhankhar’s criticism highlights the growing frustration with the lack of cooperation between the ruling party and the opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
The repeated disruptions have raised questions about the functioning of the Parliament, with many observers pointing out that the continuous stalling of proceedings hampers the legislative process and erodes public faith in the democratic system. With key bills and discussions pending, there is increasing pressure on lawmakers to put aside differences and allow the Rajya Sabha to function effectively.
Dhankhar’s comments come at a time when there is increasing scrutiny of the government and opposition’s conduct in Parliament. While both sides have blamed each other for the deadlock, there is a growing consensus that the Parliament’s credibility is at stake. The Vice President has called for introspection from all political parties, urging them to prioritize the country’s interests over partisan politics and ensure that the Rajya Sabha can carry out its constitutional duties without disruption.
As Parliament reconvenes in the coming days, the focus will likely remain on whether the opposition will heed Dhankhar’s calls for order, or if disruptions will continue to overshadow the legislative agenda.
