New Delhi. Congress national president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday extended congratulations to newly elected Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, who also assumed charge as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, even as he voiced the Opposition’s regret over the abrupt resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Radhakrishnan, a former Maharashtra Governor, secured 452 votes to defeat INDIA bloc candidate Sudarshen Reddy in the Vice-Presidential election.
In his address in the Upper House, Kharge praised Radhakrishnan’s elevation and invoked former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to underline the importance of neutrality from the Chair. “A democracy is likely to degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the Opposition to criticize fairly, freely and frankly,” Kharge quoted from a 1952 speech of the former Vice President.
Kharge also highlighted Radhakrishnan’s early association with the Congress, recalling that his paternal uncle CK Kuppuswamy was a three-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore — a seat Radhakrishnan later represented. He urged the new Chairman to maintain “equilibrium” and avoid leaning towards any side of the House.
“You belong to all members of this House. Looking only at the Treasury benches is dangerous; not looking at the Opposition is equally dangerous,” he cautioned.
Regret Over Dhankhar’s Resignation
Kharge expressed disappointment that the House could not bid farewell to former Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned unexpectedly on the first day of the Monsoon Session citing health concerns. Calling the departure “unprecedented in parliamentary history,” he wished Dhankhar good health on behalf of the Opposition.
Rijiju Objects to Remarks
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju sharply criticized Kharge for raising Dhankhar’s resignation on what he described as a “solemn occasion.” Rijiju accused the Congress of previously using objectionable language against the former Vice President and reminded the Opposition of its own conduct.
“The removal motion you served, the language you used — think about how much you tarnished the dignity of the Chair,” Rijiju said, urging members to refrain from unnecessary references during the congratulatory session.
The Winter Session began amid heightened political tensions, with Kharge hinting that the Opposition would respond within the House to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier comments directed at them.