'Insult Jagdeep Dhankhar, But I Won't Tolerate...': Vice-President Dhankhar Fumes Over Mimicry

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasised his determination "not to tolerate any disrespect towards Parliament and his position" while responding to the mimicry row.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar ( Image Source :PTI Images )

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Wednesday that he will not tolerate any insult to Parliament or the position of vice president, while also expressing his deep anguish at TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee's impersonation of him. The chairman of the Rajya Sabha said the act of mimicking him and its videography was an "insult" to the honour of the vice presidency, farmers, and his own community.

The video clip, dated Tuesday, showed Banerjee impersonating the Rajya Sabha Chairperson among a group of opposition leaders. Banerjee's act consisted of imitating the Chairperson's posture and commenting about his stature. Rahul Gandhi was seen capturing the moment.

Dhankhar expressed his anguish over Tuesday's incident and asked the Congress party, including Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, to reflect on it when the House reconvened at 11.45 am after the third adjournment. "I'm not bothered if someone insults Jagdeep Dhankhar, but I can't stand it if I can't defend the honour of my position. It is my duty to protect the House's honour," Dhankhar stated.

"...I don't care about how much you insult Jagdeep Dhankhar. But I can't tolerate (insult of) Vice President of India, farmers community, my community... I will not tolerate that I could not protect the dignity of my post, it is my duty to protect the dignity of this House..,"… pic.twitter.com/vLxUAtw6VG

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2023

In response, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stated that he will "not tolerate any disrespect towards Parliament or his position". Banerjee, on the other hand, defended his actions, citing mimicry as an art form and citing instances in which the Prime Minister engaged in similar behaviour.

The act, according to Dhankhar, was "shameful, ridiculous, and unacceptable". He further criticised the behaviour, highlighting the impropriety of a senior leader of one party recording another party member's actions on Parliament grounds. The Vice President distinguished between the roles of Rajya Sabha Chairman and Speaker, emphasising the importance of decorum and respect for these positions.

READ | 'Apologise To VP Dhankhar Or We'll Take Revenge': Jat Community Holds Protest Over Mimicry Row

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Murmu both spoke out on the issue. President Murmu expressed her outrage at the incident, emphasising the importance of upholding dignity and courtesy in parliamentary traditions. Meanwhile, PM Modi expressed his displeasure with certain MPs' "abject theatrics" in Parliament during a conversation with Vice President Dhankhar. Click here to read the full report.