Kharge stated he was most distressed” with Dhankhar’s observation continuing the suspension of Patil at least till the Monsoon session (PTI Photo).
Criticising the extension of suspension in a letter to Dhankhar, Congress president Kharge said meting out such a “disgraceful therapy” to Patil is a “gross insult” to a devoted woman parliamentarian
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday raised the issue of the extension of suspension of Congress MP Rajani Patil beyond the Budget session with Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, calling it “gross parliamentary misdemeanour” and a “blatant violation” of the rules of procedure.
Dhankhar said the suspension of Patil for filming proceedings of the House has been extended beyond the Budget session after taking inputs from the privileges committee which is investigating the matter.
He said the committee in its meeting held on March 27 sought an extension of time till the first week of the Monsoon session to complete the investigation.
Criticising the extension of suspension in a letter to Dhankhar, Congress president Kharge said meting out such a “disgraceful treatment” to Patil is a “gross insult” to a devoted woman parliamentarian.
“In such a situation, I cannot help myself but to place on record in strongest possible terms my grave displeasure and anguish, which is shared by my party colleagues as well as my other colleagues of 19 like minded opposition parties in both Houses of Parliament, over this gross parliamentary misdemeanour,” he stated.
Congress MP Patil hoped that the Rajya Sabha chairman would do justice to her because the Parliament session is over however her suspension will not be. She stated that Dhankhar has his personal rights and he can use them, however requested “What about my rights as an MP”.
Kharge said he was “most distressed” with Dhankhar’s commentary persevering with the suspension of Patil a minimum of until the Monsoon session.
“You will recall that flooring leaders of 13 opposition events in Rajya Sabha met your good self at this time morning and made a request that the suspension of Rajani Patil could also be revoked. You, nevertheless, selected to disregard this collective request made by flooring leaders of opposition events,” he said.
Kharge pointed to the provisions of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Upper House.
“If a member is so named by the Chairman he shall forthwith put the question on a motion being made, no amendment, adjournment or debate being allowed, that the member (naming him) be suspended from the service of the Council for a period not exceeding the remainder of the Session: Provided that the Council may, at any time, on a motion being made, resolve that such suspension be terminated,” he stated.
In view of the above provisions, it’s properly evident that continuation of suspension of Rajani Patil properly past the present Budget session is a “blatant violation” of the Rules of Procedure as also well established parliamentary traditions, Kharge said.
“Such a development is most unfortunate and unprecedented in the parliamentary history. Rajani Patil is a very diligent and a committed member who performed her duties with utmost devotion both inside the House as well as in public service,” Kharge stated.
The prolonged suspension would deprive the member of her valued contribution to parliamentary committees of which she is member and can be a loss not solely to her but in addition to the very establishment of parliamentary committees system, he stated.
Sharing Kharge’s letter on Twitter, Congress basic secretary Jairam Ramesh stated, “My colleague Rajani Patil continues to stay suspended from the Rajya Sabha. LoP and Congress President, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge ji, has simply written to the Chairman on this grave injustice being carried out to her by the Modi regime. This is really unprecedented!”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)
