‘Farmers’ interest wouldn’t be served by crocodile tears’: Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar tells Opposition

The impasse between the Opposition and government on notices under Rule 267 had stalled Parliament’s proceedings for several days.

When the Opposition shouted slogans regarding farmer’s issues, Chairperson Dhankhar said that the Opposition was only politicising the issue and creating drama. He said that the interest of the farmers would not be served by “crocodile tears.” Dhankhar went on to say that none of the Rule 267 notices previously given by the members pertained to farmers’ issues.

Dhankhar then allowed Congress MP Pramod Tiwari to speak, but cut him short after he said that the government should be asked questions about the death of 700 farmers. “Sticks were used on the farmers, the government’s promise of MSP was not provided. Please direct the government to fulfil their promises,” said Tiwari.

After stopping him, Dhankhar said: “In future, I will keep in mind that your assurance was a strategy and it is not appreciated. I allowed you on the assurance that you will conform to decorum and discipline.”

Afterwards, questions were answered by Union Road, Transport, and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari, Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary, and Minister of Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi.