Fri Dec 20 09:17:04 UTC 2024: ## Rajya Sabha Chairman Accused of Dominating Winter Session Debate
**New Delhi** – Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien leveled a serious accusation against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday, claiming the chairman monopolized a significant portion of the Upper House’s debate time during the recently concluded Winter Session. O’Brien asserted that Dhankhar spoke for approximately four and a half hours out of the 43-hour session, representing roughly 30 percent of the total time.
This allegation comes on the heels of the Rajya Sabha’s rejection of an opposition impeachment motion against Dhankhar on Thursday. The motion, signed by at least 60 opposition members, accused the chairman of bias and a lack of impartiality. Deputy Chairman Harivansh dismissed the motion, deeming it flawed and lacking factual basis. However, opposition sources have indicated their intention to reintroduce the motion in the next parliamentary session.
O’Brien highlighted that while bills were discussed for 10 hours and the constitutional debate lasted 17.5 hours, Dhankhar’s speaking time constituted a considerable portion of the remaining time. He questioned whether this represented a new record for parliamentary chairman speaking time, noting the absence of official records tracking such data.
The opposition’s frustration stems from repeated claims that Dhankhar has unfairly restricted their speaking opportunities in the Rajya Sabha. Their accusations of partisan conduct and prioritizing politics over parliamentary rules culminated in the failed impeachment attempt. Despite the setback, the opposition remains resolute in its pursuit of Dhankhar’s removal.
First Piper 