Parliament – Jairam Ramesh Questions Absence of Dhankhar Farewell
Parliament – Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday voiced concern over the absence of an official farewell ceremony for former Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, several months after his unexpected exit from office.
Concern Raised Over Missing Farewell Tradition
In a public remark shared on social media, Ramesh pointed out that while the Rajya Sabha recently organised an extended farewell programme for members set to retire in the coming months, no such event has been held for Dhankhar even after nearly eight months since his departure. He highlighted that the earlier event lasted several hours and was attended briefly by the Prime Minister, yet the former Chairman had not received a similar acknowledgment.
Gathering of Leaders at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Separately, a formal interaction took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where Om Birla met with outgoing and recently retired members of the Rajya Sabha. The gathering saw the presence of prominent leaders, including Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Union Ministers and other parliamentarians.
Prime Minister’s Message to Retiring Members
Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for the contributions made by members completing their tenure in the Upper House. He underlined that parliamentary debates benefit from diverse perspectives and that every member adds value through their participation.
Encouraging those stepping down, he remarked that political life does not come to an end with the conclusion of a term. According to him, their experience remains valuable, and opportunities for public service continue beyond the House.
Advice for Newly Elected Representatives
The Prime Minister also urged newly elected MPs to draw inspiration from senior leaders such as H. D. Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sharad Pawar. He noted that their long-standing parliamentary careers offer important lessons in governance and public life.
Acknowledging Departing Members
Among those whose terms are concluding are Ramdas Athawale, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tiruchi Siva, Amarendra Dhari Singh, and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, along with several others.
Referring to Athawale in particular, the Prime Minister highlighted his distinctive style and ability to bring humour into parliamentary discussions, expressing confidence that his presence would continue to be felt in public discourse.
Broader Parliamentary Context
The developments come at a time when parliamentary traditions and institutional practices often draw attention from both political leaders and observers. The absence of a formal farewell for a former Vice President has added a new dimension to discussions around established conventions within legislative bodies.
As the Rajya Sabha sees a transition with multiple members completing their tenure, the focus remains on continuity, experience, and the evolving nature of parliamentary engagement in the country.