NEW DELHI: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan’s first day as chairman of Rajya Sabha was marked by a warm welcome by treasury benches led by PM Narendra Modi and clashes between them and opposition as the latter raised the issue of ex-VP Jagdeep Dhankhar.PM praised Radhakrishnan’s contributions and said his rise from an ordinary background to the office of vice president reflects the true strength of democracy. The PM assured him that the Upper House will always uphold the dignity of the “esteemed institution and will remain ever mindful of maintaining your dignity as well”.Welcoming the new chairman, PM Modi recalled his past association with Radhakrishnan and said that he has always set himself apart by rising above the constraints of protocol. “In public life, there is a special strength in living beyond protocol, and we have always seen that strength in you.”But a clash between BJP and Congress members erupted as leader of opposition in RS Mallikarjun Kharge recalled the sudden resignation of former VP Jagdeep Dhankhar. Kharge said any democracy in which opposition is not allowed to criticise freely govt policies will degenerate into tyranny.Kharge assured the chairman of Congress’ support, but urged him to treat opposition and treasury equally. “Fair and impartial conduct of proceedings, providing just opportunity to members of each party, is essential for credibility of this office,” he said.He referred to Dhankhar, who had resigned from the post of VP on July 21 over “health” issues. “I am constrained to refer to your predecessor’s completely unexpected and sudden exit from the office of the chairman, RS. The chairman, being custodian of the entire House, belongs as much to opposition as to govt. I was disheartened that the House did not get an opportunity to bid him a farewell. Regardless, wish him, on behalf of the entire opposition, a very healthy life,” he said.Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju slammed Kharge: “I just want to remind the House that you have forgotten the language you used to insult him… The removal motion you served, a copy of which we still have…just think how much you have tarnished the dignity of the chair. My appeal is, please do not refer to anything which is not necessary on this solemn occasion.”Leader of the House in RS J P Nadda also criticised Kharge. Nadda said Radhakrishnan’s public life was unblemished. He ended his speech by quoting former President S Radhakrishnan: “We should behave like responsible members in Parliament and not as professional agitators.”Earlier, members appealed to the chairman to ensure that opposition gets a voice in Parliament. “This is the only forum where opposition can put its point across,” said Congress MP Rajiv Shukla. CPI MP Santosh Kumar P, AGP MP B P Baishya & nominated member Sudha Murthy appealed to him to give requisite time to smaller parties, northeastern states and nominated members, respectively, during debates.
