“Democracy will be seriously threatened”: Vice President as Opposition stages walkout against Union Budget

New Delhi [India], July 24 (ANI): After the walkout by Opposition MPs from the Upper House in protest against the Union Budget, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar said that democracy will be “seriously threatened” if such disruption of parliamentary proceedings is weaponized as “political strategy.”

“Hon’ble Members, I strongly plead with you. Democracy will be seriously threatened if disruption and disturbance are weaponized as a political strategy as has been done now,” Dhankar said while addressing members of the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The Rajya Sabha Chairman said that though he allowed Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to speak in the House, he has found that it was used as a “ploy” and “startegy” by Opposition MPs.

“Hon’ble Members, discussion on the Budget was listed today and I gave the floor to the Leader of the Opposition in expectation that rules will be followed. I find it has been used as a ploy and a strategy,” Dhankar said.

Following the walkout, the chairman said that he would take a serious exception to the “unwholesome practice” adopted by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.

“Parliament is a citadel of Constitutional and democratic values and liberties. I am aghast as a matter of fact when during the day and days following, we will have ample opportunity to reflect on the budget presented by the Hon’ble Finance Minister, there was absolutely no occasion or justification, even remotely, to avail the facility accorded by me for this purpose,” Kharge said.

“I cannot persuade myself but to take serious exception to this unwholesome practice adopted by a senior Member, Leader of the Opposition. I will call upon leaders of the parties to soul-search…,” he added.

Speaking on the Suspension of Business Notices in Rajya Sabha given under Rule 267 by MPs, Dhankhar said, “I reiterate, leaders of political parties need to take a call on the issue, as it is becoming a routine daily affair in every sitting of the House. I had already indicated that in the last 36 years, this mechanism has been allowed only on six occasions.”

The Rajya Sabha Chairman said that Suspension of Business under Rule 267 has been allowed in “exceptional circumstances,” and hence he has decided not to admit the notices.

“It is only in exceptional circumstances that the same may be allowed. I need not emphasise that seeking suspension of proceedings in the House for taking business as indicated is indeed a very serious matter. The notices filed today do not conform to the directives imparted by the Chair in this behalf and the same are not admitted,” Dhankar said.