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Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar briefly left the Rajya Sabha on Thursday after the opposition created a ruckus on not being allowed to raise the issue of the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics. Dhankhar later chaired the Question Hour, saying the conduct of opposition members was "unprecedented" and "indigestible".
Before walking out of the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar expressed anguish over the dignity of the post of Speaker being tarnished.
"Making this sacred House a centre of anarchy, attacking Indian democracy, tarnishing the dignity of the post of the Speaker, this is not just indecent conduct, this is conduct that crosses all limits," an irate Dhankhar said.
"The way the challenge is being given through words, letters, through newspapers, how many wrong comments have been made. This challenge is not being given to me, but this challenge is being given to the post of chairperson. And this challenge is being given because they (the opposition) think that the person sitting in this post is not worthy of it," Dhankhar said.
He also held a meeting of floor leaders of Rajya Sabha to discuss the matter.
The ruckus started after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said it was important to know who was behind the disqualification of Phogat, who was found to be overweight by 100 gms just hours before her 50 kg freestyle gold medal match. Phogat announced her retirement on Thursday.
"The issue of Vinesh Phogat is very important... We need to know who was behind it," Kharge said.
To this, Jagdeep Dhankhar said the entire nation was feeling the pain and the issue should not be politicised.
"They (the opposition) think they are the only ones whose hearts are bleeding. The entire nation is feeling the pain, from the President, the Prime Minister, to myself. To politicise the issue is the greatest disrespect to the girl (Phogat). She has a long way to go," he said.
"I was so happy that Haryana immediately announced it would give her all financial relief and recognise her as a medal winner," the Rajya Sabha chairperson further said.
However, it failed to pacify the opposition MPs as they continued to demand a discussion. Dhankhar also berated TMC MP Derek O'Brien for shouting at the chair and asked him not to lower the dignity of the House.
"Your conduct is the ugliest in the House. I condemn your action. Next time I will show you the door. You cannot shout at the desk," Dhankhar said.
"Do not adopt indecent conduct... Jairam Ramesh (Congress MP), do not laugh. I know your habits. Some MPs make wrong comments. I respect everyone, but I am saddened by the behaviour of the MPs," he said.
As the uproar continued, the opposition INDIA bloc parties staged a walkout.
Speaking to reporters after the opposition staged a walkout, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said, "The INDIA bloc members have staged a walkout from Rajya Sabha over the Vinesh Phogat issue. We wanted to discuss the issues surrounding her Olympics disqualification, but the government is not ready."
