In a moment that could easily rival the drama of a courtroom thriller, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered a thunderous response to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who accused the chair of being “scared of the government.” The chamber, already charged with tension, witnessed Dhankhar channel not just parliamentary decorum—but his deeply personal roots as the son of a farmer.
Kharge, speaking amidst heated debates, boldly claimed: “Chairman Sir, you are so much scared of the government. You should protect us.” A statement heavy with political insinuation and a dash of theatrical bravado. But Dhankhar was not one to take it lying down.
In a sharp rebuttal that stunned the house into silence, he declared: “Honourable Members, this part of the assertion will be deleted.” And then came the knockout punch—“The farmer of India and his son are not scared of anyone. In no situation, a farmer’s son can be scared of anything.” The Vice President’s words echoed with raw pride, humility, and a thinly veiled jab at what he saw as an elitist slight.
Let’s unpack that. Jagdeep Dhankhar, who hails from a modest farming family in Rajasthan, has long positioned himself as a grassroots man—someone who knows the struggles of rural India first-hand. To question his independence or courage, especially in a room filled with political veterans, was clearly a step too far. His emotional response may have been wrapped in parliamentary formality, but it spoke volumes about personal pride and the battle for dignity in India’s political discourse.
And let’s be honest—if you think a man who tilled fields and rose through sheer merit to become the Vice President of India is going to get “scared” by anyone, you may want to rethink your power assumptions.
Why It Matters:
This exchange is more than a clash of egos—it’s a reflection of the broader tension between opposition parties and presiding authorities in Parliament. It also touches on deeper themes: class, legacy, and the perception of bias in legislative proceedings. The Vice President’s remarks were not just about defending his position, but about defending the honour of millions of Indian farmers and their sons—often the invisible backbone of the nation.
As Parliament grapples with controversial bills, rising opposition walkouts, and an increasingly vocal public, moments like this one are telling. They reveal the emotional undercurrents behind India’s legislative battles and remind us that power, no matter how high, is still deeply personal.