Opposition Walkout in Rajya Sabha Over Alleged ‘Misnaming’ of Jaya Bachchan

Kumar Rakesh
New Delhi, 9th August. In a striking development in the Rajya Sabha, opposition parties led by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi staged a walkout on Friday afternoon in support of Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan. The protest was sparked by repeated instances of Bachchan being addressed as “Jaya Amitabh Bachchan” during the ongoing Parliamentary session, which drew strong objections from the veteran parliamentarian.

Jaya Bachchan, known for her illustrious career in cinema, voiced her strong disapproval of the persistent misnaming. “It was a humiliating experience,” she stated while addressing reporters after the walkout. Bachchan criticized what she viewed as a disparity in the treatment of opposition MPs compared to those from the ruling BJP, pointing to instances where she felt her objections were dismissed without proper consideration.

“Whatever is said from the Chair… is allowed. Outside the Chair, the individual is like us… an MP,” Bachchan remarked, emphasizing the need for parliamentary decorum and respectful conduct towards all members. She particularly objected to the Chair’s response, especially when the Leader of the Opposition was seemingly overlooked during the proceedings.

The situation escalated when, after another instance of being addressed incorrectly, Bachchan demanded an apology from Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar. His response, “Don’t school me,” further intensified the tensions, leading the opposition to walk out in protest.

Outside Parliament, Sonia Gandhi and Derek O’Brien of the Trinamool Congress stood in solidarity with Ms. Bachchan, joined by other opposition MPs. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh condemned what he described as repeated insults towards opposition MPs within the parliamentary chambers. Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Priyanka Chaturvedi and Trinamool Congress’ Dola Sen also voiced their support, highlighting 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 Bachchan and the opposition.