New Delhi: Parliament on Thursday witnessed a heated exchange between Congress MP Digvijaya Singh and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankar over latter’s remarks on RSS. Singh sought to raise a point of order under Rule 238 regarding Dhankhar’s remarks on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha. However, Dhankhar said that nothing would be recorded and emphasised that the Chair’s ruling could not be challenged. This led to a ruckus, before the House proceeded with Zero Hour.
During the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Dhankhar said that RSS is an organisation that has full constitutional rights to participate in the development journey of the nation. His remarks came after Samajwadi Party’s Ramji Lal Suman said the RSS affiliation was the criterion for the government in selecting the head of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Dhankhar ordered that the comments will not go on record.
“This organisation bears unimpeachable credentials, comprises of people who are deeply committed to serving the nation selflessly,” the Rajya Sabha chairman said.
“It is soothing to note, it is wholesome to note, that RSS as an organisation has been contributing for national welfare, our culture, and everyone should, as a matter of fact, take pride in any organisation which is acting in this manner,” Dhankhar said. He also said that RSS is an organisation which is “a global think tank of the highest order”.
Earlier today, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal slammed Dhankhar over his remarks and said that such an opinion can be expressed by a member but not by the Chair. “Since Dhankar ji represents the will of the House, such an opinion can be expressed by a member but not by the Chair. Contrary to tradition,” the Independent Rajya Sabha MP said.
Last month, Dhankar engaged in a heated argument with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge after the latter accused RSS of “capturing” the education system in the country. The Congress chief accused RSS of taking over posts of vice-chancellors and professors at universities as well as at NCERT and other educational organisations. He had also saidd that RSS’ ideology is “dangerous” for the country and that the Hindu organisation does want to provide education to women.
Hitting back at Kharge, Dhankar asked if it is a “crime” to be a member of RSS. He also said that the RSS is working for nation’s development and that acclaimed people are working in it who are contributing to nation’s progress.
“Is being a member of an organistation a crime?…You are alleging that an organisation has captured the education system. This is wrong. RSS is an organisation which is working towards nation building. Many acclaimed people are part of RSS. This (Kharge’s remarks) will not go on record,” the Rajya Sabha chairman had said.