Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was assuming charge as Rajya Sabha Chairman at a time when the country was witnessing two historic occasions including presidency of the G-20 grouping and ‘Amrit Kaal’ of India’s independence. He said it will be a period of national development and glory.
Welcoming the new Chairman on the first day of winter session of the Upper House, he also said the country will play an important role in giving direction to the world.
Several leaders including Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Leader of House Piyush Goyal and Leader of Opposition M Mallikarjun Kharge lauded Dhankar’s rise to the high office from a humble background. All the Elders assured Dhankhar of smooth functioning of the house.
On a lighter note, the Prime Minister said while former chairman M Venkaiah Naidu was known for his two-liners, the new incumbent is known for his witty remarks. Modi also said being a Supreme Court lawyer, Dhankhar will not miss it as many of his colleagues are part of the house.
Modi said “India has just assumed the presidency of G20 and this is also a time when we have commenced our journey into 'Amrit Kaal'.
Not only will 'Amrit Kaal' be a period of development and glory for the country it will also be an occasion when India will play an important role in giving direction to the world.” In this journey, India's democracy, parliament and parliamentary traditions will also play a significant role, he added.Hailing Dhankhar as a leader who has both the elements of 'jawan' (soldier) and 'kisan' (farmer) imbibed in him, the Prime Minister said the House was fortunate to receive “his able and effective leadership at this juncture in history.” "Our Vice President is a 'Kisan Putra' (son of farmer) and he studied at a Sainik school. Thus, he is closely associated with jawans and kisans," he said.
The Prime Minister exuded confidence that under the guidance of Dhankhar, “all members will effectively perform their duties and the House will serve as an effective platform to help realise the dreams and pledges of the country.” He also saluted the Armed Forces on the occasion of the Armed Forces Flag Day.
“The country is happy to see the achievements of Kithana's 'lal' (son),” Modi said, referring to Dhankhar's birthplace Kithana in Rajasthan. Referring to Dhankhar's humble origins, he noted that like President Droupadi Murmu, who is guiding the country, the son of a farmer has now reached the top position in the Rajya Sabha. Describing the Chairman as a “bhoomiputra,” Kharge expressed concern over the reduced number of sittings of Parliament thereby depriving discussion on serious issues. He along with several other speakers stressed on scrutiny of government bills by parliamentary standing committees and more time for smaller parties during debates.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, former prime minister and JDS leader H D Deve Gowda, Tiruchi Siva(DMK), Sasmit Patra(BJD), Raghav Chadha (AAP), Ramdas Athawale (RPI), Elamaram Kareem CPI (M), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena), Birendra Prasad Baishya (AGP) and Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) also spoke on the occasion.
Leader of the House Piyush Goyal said a new tradition is taking shape in the country where people from ordinary backgrounds have reached top positions in the government. He cited the examples of President Droupadi Murmu and Modi.