In a dramatic turn of events in the Rajya Sabha, opposition parties, led by Congress matriarch Sonia Gandhi, staged a walkout on Friday afternoon to express solidarity with Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan. The protest was ignited by repeated instances of Ms. Bachchan being addressed as 'Jaya Amitabh Bachchan' during the ongoing Parliamentary session, sparking strong objections from the veteran parliamentarian.
Jaya Bachchan, renowned for her distinguished career in cinema, voiced her vehement disapproval of the recurrent misnaming. "It was a humiliating experience," she lamented while addressing reporters after the walkout. She criticized what she perceived as a disparity in treatment between opposition MPs and those from the ruling BJP, highlighting instances where she felt her objections were not given due respect.
"Whatever is said from the Chair... is allowed. Outside the Chair, the individual is like us.. an MP," Ms. Bachchan remarked, emphasizing the need for parliamentary decorum and respectful conduct towards all members. She underscored her objection to the chair's response, particularly when the Leader of the Opposition was seemingly ignored during proceedings.
The contentious issue reached a boiling point when, faced with another instance of being addressed incorrectly, Ms. Bachchan demanded an apology from Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar. The response, "Don't school me," further exacerbated tensions, leading to the opposition's decision to walk out in protest.
Outside Parliament, Sonia Gandhi and Derek O'Brien of the Trinamool Congress stood in solidarity with Ms. Bachchan, alongside other opposition MPs. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh condemned what he described as repeated insults to opposition MPs within the parliamentary chambers. Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Priyanka Chaturvedi and Trinamool Congress' Dola Sen also voiced their support, highlighting Ms. Bachchan's extensive parliamentary experience and demanding respect for her contributions.
As discussions continue on the incident's fallout, it remains to be seen how parliamentary authorities will address the grievances raised by Ms. Bachchan and the opposition, aiming to uphold the dignity and decorum of the Rajya Sabha.
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