Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called for an end to relentless political hostility, warning that a thriving democracy cannot withstand constant acrimony, as the Monsoon session of Parliament began on Monday. Urging political parties to embrace constructive dialogue, he condemned personal attacks and divisive rhetoric, emphasizing that confrontation undermines India’s progress.
“Dialogue and discussion, not conflict, are the way forward,” Dhankhar said, addressing a tense House amid Opposition demands for answers on the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and US President Donald Trump’s claims of mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire. “Internal fighting strengthens our enemies and divides us,” he added, advocating for mutual respect and unity rooted in India’s tradition of discourse.
Dhankhar highlighted the session’s agenda, including key legislative proposals and four days allocated for Private Members’ Business to address vital issues. The House paid tributes to victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the June 12 Air India flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives. “These tragedies wound our collective conscience,” he said, offering condolences and praising the armed forces’ bravery in Operation Sindoor.
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The session saw an uproar, leading to a brief adjournment, as the Opposition pressed for immediate discussions on the terror attack and Trump’s claims. Dhankhar also led obituary references for former members C Perumal, K Kasturirangan, Ronald Sapa Tlau, Nepaldev Bhattacharjee, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Thennala G Balakrishna Pillai, and Vijaykumar Rupani, who passed away recently.
Dhankhar’s call for unity and constructive politics sets a critical tone for the session, as India navigates pressing national and international challenges.
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