Rajya Sabha Uproar: Opposition, Chair Lock Horns Over Phogat Disqualification

Rajya witnessed heated debate and tension between Rajya Sabha Chairman and Opposition parties resurfaced on Thursday, as heated exchanges led to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar leaving the House. The conflict erupted when TMC leader Derek O’Brien and other Opposition MPs were barred from discussing the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics.

The friction began during the morning session when Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, attempted to raise the Phogat issue. Chairman Dhankhar, however, refused to entertain the topic, leading to a tense exchange with Kharge.

“This is a matter of significance, not just about one individual,” Kharge asserted, shortly after the day’s papers were presented in the House. He questioned the reasons behind Phogat’s disqualification, seeking clarity on who was responsible.

Chairman Dhankhar remained firm, not allowing Kharge to proceed and moving on to the scheduled Zero Hour agenda. As the situation escalated, TMC’s Derek O’Brien stood to voice his concerns but was drowned out by the commotion in the House.

Dhankhar, visibly displeased, warned O’Brien, saying, “You are shouting at the Chair. Your conduct is the worst in the House. I condemn your actions. Next time, I will not hesitate to show you the door.”

With the uproar showing no signs of abating, the Opposition parties eventually staged a walkout in protest.