I don't need to defend someone who has global recognition: Jagdeep Dhankhar on Mallikarjun Kharge's 'defending PM' remark

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday came down heavily on the Congress for accusing him of defending the prime minister, saying he does not need to defend someone who has got global recognition and electoral mandates in 2014 and 2019. He also urged the members from the treasury benches to reach out to their opposition counterparts and convince them not to walk out. The opposition parties had staged a walkout as the House went ahead with the scheduled business despite Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge's suggestion of adjourning the proceedings till 1 pm.

Following suggestions by TMC leader Derek O'Brien and Leader of the House and Union Minister Piyush Goyal, the Chair had called a meeting of floor leaders of various parties at 1 pm to find a way out to end the logjam in the House on the modalities for discussion on the ongoing situation in Manipur. When the Chair sought his views on the issue, Kharge stressed that Rule 267 should get precedence over any other rule, and wondered why the government has made it a «prestige» issue by not agreeing for a discussion under Rule 267. Kharge suggested that the House proceedings should be adjourned till 1 pm.

However, some members objected to the suggestion. To this, Kharge said, «You are not agreeing to even a small suggestion. You are also not agreeing to the demand for calling the prime minister in the House.

Why are you defending the prime minister so much? I cannot understand.» Dhankhar took strong exception to Kharge's remarks, and said he was not required to defend anyone. He said the prime minister has received global recognition and India was rising under his leadership. He further said that after three decades of coalition governments in India, «you had