New Delhi: Trinamool Congress (TMC) parliamentary party leader Derek O’Brien on Friday alleged that Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar himself spoke for about 30 percent of the time during the proceedings in the House. Targeting the Chairman on the last day of the winter session of Parliament, O’Brien said in a brief statement that till December 18, the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha lasted for a total of 43 hours, out of which Dhankhar spoke for about four and a half hours. There is no official record of the speaking time of the Chairman or members of the Rajya Sabha.

Dhankhar spoke for four and a half hours

The TMC leader said, “Till December 18, the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha lasted for 43 hours. Out of these, 10 hours were spent on discussions on bills.” He said, “For 17 and a half hours, the Constitution was discussed. Out of the remaining 15 and a half hours, he spoke for four and a half hours, that is, about 30 percent of the time. That means the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.” He said, “Has Jagdeep Dhankhar set a new record in Parliament?”

Opposition’s allegation- Jagdeep Dhankhar is biased

Earlier, the opposition parties had presented an impeachment motion against the Chairman, which was rejected by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Thursday. Some opposition leaders are planning to bring this motion again in the next session. The opposition alleges that Dhankhar is biased and they do not trust his working style. They say that politics has taken more importance than rules in the Rajya Sabha.