Tue Dec 24 12:23:00 UTC 2024: ## Rajya Sabha Chairman Slams Opposition’s No-Confidence Motion as “Rusted,” Calls for Open Dialogue
**New Delhi:** Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has vehemently criticized the opposition’s recently rejected no-confidence motion against him, describing it as flawed and rushed. Speaking at a gathering of women journalists, Dhankhar likened the motion to a “rusted vegetable-cutting knife” unsuitable for “bypass surgery,” referencing its procedural irregularities. He expressed astonishment that the media hadn’t scrutinized the motion’s numerous shortcomings, including misspelt names and insufficient notice.
The motion, filed by the Congress party, protested Dhankhar’s handling of parliamentary proceedings, specifically his refusal to allow Congress MPs to respond to BJP accusations linking Sonia Gandhi to George Soros. The motion was rejected on procedural grounds by Deputy Chairman Harivansh, who characterized it as an attempt to create a negative narrative against Dhankhar.
Dhankhar, while acknowledging the opposition’s constitutional right to move such a motion, criticized the ongoing campaign against him. He stressed the importance of open dialogue and the right to expression as fundamental to democracy, urging all sides to listen to opposing viewpoints.
The Congress, however, countered by labeling Dhankhar the “biggest disruptor” of the Rajya Sabha, accusing him of denying them sufficient time to raise crucial issues. The Sonia Gandhi-George Soros controversy dominated the final week of Parliament, escalating tensions between the ruling BJP and the Congress. The BJP alleged links between Soros-funded investigative journalism and the Congress’ criticism of the government, a claim vehemently denied by the Congress. This controversy unfolded amidst other contentious issues, including violence in Uttar Pradesh and an indictment against Adani Green Energy.
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