"We condemn statements made against Mallikarjun Kharge": Congress MP Digvijaya Singh

New Delhi [India], December 13 (ANI): Congress MP Digvijaya Singh on Friday condemned the statements made against the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge.
Singh alleged that opposition MPs are not even being allowed to speak in Parliament.
"...When the rules are not being followed by the Chair itself, what can we expect from the Chairman (of Rajya Sabha)? Opposition MPs are not being allowed to speak in Parliament. No action is being taken against the judge who spoke against the Constitution. The Chairman of Rajya Sabha has never taken a decision in the interest of farmers. We condemn the statements made against the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge," Singh said.
Earlier in the day, Congress leaders strongly criticised the BJP's actions in Parliament, accusing the ruling party of crushing democracy and insulting Mallikarjun Kharge.
Congress MP Randeep Surjewala described the BJP's actions as a "black chapter" in the history of Parliament and democracy. He accused the Chairman of the House and the BJP of conspiring to humiliate Kharge, whom he described as a Dalit and a farmer.
"...Every day, a black chapter of Parliament and democracy is being written by the BJP in the House. The conduct of the Chairman of the House and the connivance of the BJP to shield Adani have effectively bulldozed democracy. The way the Chairman and the BJP are conspiring to launch a humiliating attack on Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition and the son of a Dalit farmer, is condemnable. We strongly denounce this behaviour on behalf of all opposition parties. We have only one demand: the entire opposition has proposed a discussion on Adani, Sambhal, and the condition of farmers. This must be addressed," he said.
Rajeev Shukla pointed out the BJP's hypocrisy, highlighting the ruling party's role in creating a ruckus in the House and making baseless allegations against Kharge. He criticised their behaviour as unacceptable and noted that it has angered the public.
"You can see how the BJP is disrupting the House, raising slogans. Does the ruling party ever behave in this way? The kind of allegations being made against Kharge ji and the way BJP members are speaking is utterly wrong. This attack on him is unacceptable, and people are deeply upset. They are insulting Kharge ji," Shukla said.
Pramod Tiwari accused the BJP of harbouring an anti-Dalit and anti-farmer mindset, citing their treatment of Kharge. He claimed the BJP intentionally disrupted the session to avoid a discussion on the Adani issue.
"It is disheartening that the BJP, driven by its anti-Dalit and anti-farmer mindset, insulted the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, who is both a Dalit and a farmer. They deliberately prevented the session from proceeding to avoid discussing the Adani issue," Tiwari said.
The Rajya Sabha remained paralysed on Friday due to uproar from both the Treasury and Opposition benches over a no-confidence notice against House Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The INDIA bloc had submitted the no-confidence motion on December 10 to the Secretary-General of the Upper House of Parliament. INDIA bloc parties held a joint press conference, asserting that they were compelled to take this step to "safeguard democracy and the Constitution."
The Winter Session of Parliament, which began on November 25, has seen both Houses adjourned repeatedly due to disruptions. The session is scheduled to continue until December 20. (ANI)