"It sets dangerous precedent" says Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankar after oppn walked out during PM Modi's speech

New Delhi [India], July 3 : Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday targeted the opposition for walking out during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech, saying that it sets a dangerous precedent against democratic values.
"Their walkout today was extremely painful. It was a historic occasion. The government is in its third term with the Prime Minister heading it continually after six decades," Dhankhar said in his valedictory remarks at the conclusion of the 264th Session of Rajya Sabha.
Dhankar further added, "They walked away from their constitutional ordainment and that has sent a dangerous precedent, antithetical to democratic values."
"It was extremely painful to notice that even the Leader of Opposition walked into the well of the House and that was a disgrace to Parliamentary conduct and propriety," he added.
Dhankhar said, "I expect Members of this House to exemplify their conduct so that this becomes a temple of deliberation, discussion, dialogue and debate."
Dhankhar also targeted the opposition, saying disruptions not only impede the transactions of listed businesses but also erode the prestige of this esteemed institution.
He added that witnessing seasoned members conduct themselves irresponsibly was particularly disheartening.
The Rajya Sabha Chairman, while giving his valedictory remarks of the 264th Rajya Sabha, said, "While there was active participation from both the treasury as well as the opposition benches, I was constrained to make some poignant observations that weighed heavily on my mind over the disruptions that marred the proceedings. Witnessing seasoned Members conduct themselves irresponsibly was particularly disheartening. I wish to reiterate that disruptions not only impede the transaction of listed business but also erode the prestige of this esteemed institution."
Dhankar noted that the Assembly lost 43 minutes due to forced adjournments, but the time was made up by continuing the discussion during the lunch break and sitting beyond the scheduled time.
"Though the House lost 43 minutes due to forced adjournments, a shortfall of which was made up by continuing discussion during the lunch break and sitting beyond the scheduled time, due to extended sitting, total duration of business was finally extended by three hours beyond the scheduled time and therefore we scored more than 100 per cent in our productivity," Dhankar said.