Opposition walkout, Dhankhar exits RS over Phogat row

During the morning session on Thursday, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar temporarily left the House after the Opposition party members walked out in protest of not being allowed to discuss Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics. 

 

After the papers were presented in the House, Leader of the Opposition and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge attempted to address the issue regarding Phogat's disqualification and inquired about the responsible party. 

 

However, Dhankhar refused to let Kharge raise the issue. 

 

Meanwhile, Derek O'Brien of TMC also tried to raise some concerns but was similarly denied by the Chair.

 

Dhankar cautioned the TMC member, saying, "You are shouting at the Chair. Your conduct is the ugliest in the House. I condemn your actions. Next time, I will show you the door."

 

As uproar increased in the House, Opposition parties staged a walkout.

 

Dhankhar expressed his anguish about the conduct of the Oposition members and left the House for a while.

 

"For sometime I am not finding myself in a position to sit here...," Dhankar said, adding he was leaving the House "with a heavy heart".

 

Deputy Chairman Harivansh chaired the Zero Hour proceedings.