KHARGE ASKS RS CHAIRMAN: 'Why are you defending PM so much?'

New Delhi, NT Bureau, Agencies: Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Leader of Opposition in the Upper House of Parliament Mallikarjun Kharge engaged in a heated exchange over the former's refusal to summon the Prime Minister for a discussion on Manipur.

Kharge suggested that the House proceedings should be adjourned till 1 pm. However, some members objected to the suggestion.

To this, Kharge said, "You are not agreeing to even a small suggestion. You are also not agreeing to the demand for calling the prime minister to the House. Why are you defending the prime minister so much? I cannot understand."

Dhankhar took strong exception to Kharge's remarks, (and hence defended again?) and said he was not required to defend anyone. He said the prime minister has received global recognition and India was rising under his leadership.

Earlier, the duo engaged in friendly fire as Kharge stated that the Opposition’s request for a discussion under rule 267 was perhaps not accepted by the Chairman because he was “angry”.