Rajya Sabha Erupts in Chaos: Jaya Bachchan vs Chairman Dhankhar, The Inside Story

On Friday, the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, was the epicenter of a brief yet fervent political drama characterized by uproar and vehement exchanges. The political atmosphere, both within the chamber and outside, witnessed a marked escalation as Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha member Jaya Bachchan became the focal point of the disturbance. The commotion originated from Bachchan's dissatisfaction with the tone adopted by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar during the proceedings, which resulted in notable disorder in the house.

In a bid to restore order, Chairman Dhankhar implored the opposition to maintain decorum. However, this plea was met with allegations from opposition members who accused Dhankhar of suppressing their right to speak. The ensuing frustration led to a mass walkout by opposition members.

Hats off to Jaya Bachchan for saying this to the speaker. Telling the speaker that his tone is not correct is courageous. Whatever the speaker said after that was only to show his power and had no respect or substance. pic.twitter.com/btc5q8qNAB

— Rakhi Tripathi (@rakhitripathi) August 9, 2024

During the tumultuous session, Dhankhar directed Jaya Bachchan to address the house. In her response, Bachchan articulated her discontent, criticizing the Chairman’s tone as unseemly. Dhankhar retorted, asserting his intolerance for such remarks and underscoring the necessity for all members to uphold the dignity of the house.

Bachchan’s rebuttal was candid: "Sir, I am an artist and understand body language. I apologize, but your tone is unacceptable. You are the Chairperson, and you must understand decorum." The Chairman, while acknowledging Bachchan’s esteemed position, contended that she might not fully appreciate the challenges inherent in his role and reiterated the importance of adhering to established manners.

Jaya Amitabh Bachchan should know that a Member of Parliament and the Vice President of India are not colleagues. The Chairperson is responsible for running the House and MPs are bound by the Chair’s diktat. She should stop being smug and preachy.Apologise to the Chair. Now. pic.twitter.com/owE6H0vKBS

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 9, 2024

The disorder in the Rajya Sabha extended beyond the chamber, sparking a heated exchange between opposition and ruling party members outside. Jaya Bachchan criticized the Chairman for using terms such as 'ignorant' and 'childish,' demanding an apology. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, representing the ruling party, expressed his dismay, noting that despite his extensive experience in both the Lok Sabha and the Assembly, he had never witnessed such undignified behavior from the opposition. JDU's working president Sanjay Jha accused Bachchan of inciting MPs and suggested that the Chairman should adopt a firmer stance.

This incident represents the third chapter in a series of controversies surrounding Jaya Amitabh Bachchan. The first controversy emerged on July 29, when the Chairman addressed her as Jaya Amitabh Bachchan, causing her frustration. The second occurred on July 2, when she herself used the name Jaya Amitabh Bachchan in the house, leading to laughter among members. These recurring issues prompt questions about whether the controversy is solely about the name or if there are deeper political motivations involved.

Kerosene Ghandhy used non parliamentary words for her bahu Aishwarya Rai as “Nachnewaali”.Made fun of a legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan who also happens to be her spouse.Jaya Bachchan now sharing stage with Kerosene Ghandhy’s “nachaniya” mother.What a disgrace she is!! pic.twitter.com/Fh7zHP8VfH

— Fringe Balsara (@TheMaleficiant) August 9, 2024

Jaya Bachchan, elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2004 on the Samajwadi Party’s ticket, has served for two decades and is currently in her fifth term. Despite numerous changes in the Rajya Sabha’s leadership over the years, her name had not previously been a point of contention. The Rajya Sabha website lists her as Jaya Amitabh Bachchan, the name under which she was sworn in.

The recent dispute over her name has broadened into a debate about tone and propriety. Sources suggest that the opposition may propose a no-confidence motion against the Chairman under Article 67 of the Constitution, with 49 signatures already collected. The requisite number is 50, and the proposal is pending a decision from Congress President and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on whether to proceed.

A lingering query is why Jaya Bachchan continues to use Amitabh’s name despite the ongoing controversy. This practice is in accordance with Maharashtra’s regulations, which mandate that a married woman’s surname include her husband’s name. Additionally, children’s names must encompass both parents' names, though this rule does not apply to orphans.

- PTC PUNJABI