'Unbecoming conduct', Dhankar leaves chair briefly as Oppn raises din in RS over Phogat issue


New Delhi, Aug 8 (IANS): Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday briefly left the House while condemning the behaviour of some opposition members, who staged a walkout over the chair's refusal to allow discussion on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics.

Shortly after the Rajya Sabha proceedings began, uproar ensued in the House, leading to Chairman Dhankhar leaving his seat emotionally.

"I have only one option, with a sad heart... I am not going away from my oath, but what I have seen today, is the way I have been treated. Physically, I am not able to sit here," he said before leaving the chair.

Earlier, the Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, raised the issue of Phogat's disqualification, asking, "Who is behind this and how only 100 grams led to her disqualification?"

Meanwhile, the Chairman denied the permission to raise the issue. After this, the opposition MPs, particularly Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien, started creating a ruckus by shouting slogans against the Centre in the House.

The Rajya Sabha Chairman condemned the conduct of the Trinamool stating, "Mr Derek O'Brien, you are shouting at the Chair. Your conduct is the ugliest in the House. I condemn your action. Next time, I will show you the door. How dare you shout at the Chair?"

Addressing the senior Opposition leaders, Dhankhar emphasised, "This is unbecoming conduct. I will not countenance it."

Reflecting on the broader implications, Dhankhar added, "We have seen the ugliest of scenes. We saw a dark phase of our democracy during the Emergency. It starts with challenging the Parliamentary institutions, and there is a challenge here."

Expressing shared national sorrow over Phogat's disqualification, Dhankhar said, "The entire nation is in pain because of our girl. From the President to the Prime Minister to myself, everyone is hurt by the situation. But to monetise and politicise it is the greatest disrespect to the girl. That girl has a long way to go."

He praised the Haryana government's immediate recognition and support for Phogat. He said, "The state of Haryana immediately announced they will give her all commendations, all financial reliefs given to a medal winner."

Later, the Leader of the House, J.P. Nadda, condemned the Opposition's behaviour, emphasising national unity.

"The people, who are working in the Parliamentary system for a long time, this behaviour is questionable and a matter of concern," he said.

The Union Minister reiterated the nation's support for Phogat, quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called her a "champion of champions".

He slammed the politicisation of the issue, stating, "The entire nation is standing with Vinesh. It is disheartening that this issue is being politicised."

He concluded by asserting the government's commitment to resolving the issue, saying, "When the entire nation is standing with Vinesh, and all efforts are being made by the government, Sports Ministry, and the Olympic Association to seek redressal on this issue, it is clear that the opposition lacks any solid issue to raise."

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • real kujuma, kodial

    Thu, Aug 08 2024

    i dont know whether to laugh or cry...the country's elected representatives are wasting time on non-critical matters...if one has lost the medal because of disqualification due to not adhering to rules it is her or his problem...just leave it there and proceed with other umpteen matters that bother this country...in other countries olympians or for that matter any sports person or celebrity is not treated like demi god...at least politically

    DisAgree Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pacific Heights, Mangalore

    Thu, Aug 08 2024

    To be honest Vinesh Pogat is solely responsible for this mess. Though I feel sorry for her. Olympics is a big stage where sports like wrestling, weightlifting and other sports where weight is a factor is strictly checked and no compromise. If you fail you are last in the row. This is the written down rule. I know Pogad did best throughout the Olympic but if the rules are rules for everyone and this are not created now the rules are being created perhaps when Olympics started . There are so much immature people in india about sports are doing bjp vs congress . Raising this in a partliment is a joke. Mr, Khagre , this is Olympics not an interschool competition nahi, where some political leader can call and ensure victory for a certian participant and eleminate the others.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deepaka Jain, Mangalore

    Thu, Aug 08 2024

    I tend to agree with you. Wrestling , body building etc, weight is a very imp factor. The participants prepare months in advance and maintain their optimal weight for which they compete. For eg Phogat who was competing for 50kg should have been at 50 kg at least 2-3 months prior to the contest , well in advance .Not starving , dehydrating and cutting hair the prevoius night. Its very obvious that Phogat was above 50 kgs prior and on the contest day. So in all fairness it mandated a disqualification. The coach , trainer and nutrition should be taken to task. This has happened with so many athletes in varoius competitions. No use blaming the Olympic body. They are very stringent. Not sure how the Indian Govt can be responsible for an athletes weight gain or weight loss and how they can influence the Olympic board to grant her the Silver Medal.

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  • Roshan, Mangaluru

    Thu, Aug 08 2024

    Some constitutional positions were meant to be absolutely impartial, apolitical and supposed to work with absolute integrity, with full compliance to constitutional responsibility, taken oath on. These days it is a fashion to play party politics. World is getting agitated with such mean minded governance and proof is there for those who look around and learn. Hope that those on high chairs remember power never will be for ever. Abuse of power will make it even shorter.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: 'Unbecoming conduct', Dhankar leaves chair briefly as Oppn raises din in RS over Phogat issue



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