From fiery debates to landmark suspensions, his term was marked by persistent friction with the Opposition and bold interventions that often pushed constitutional conventions into uncharted territory.
Having taken office in August 2022, Dhankhar entered the Rajya Sabha at a moment of heightened political polarisation. A lawyer by training and known for his assertiveness, he quickly made his presence felt with outspoken remarks on judicial decisions and parliamentary sovereignty.
Tense beginnings and judicial barbs
Soon after assuming charge, Dhankhar stirred debate by openly questioning the Supreme Court’s 2015 verdict that had struck down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)—a rare move for someone in his position.
Labelling the verdict as a challenge to the supremacy of Parliament, his remarks set the tone for a tenure that would frequently blur the lines between constitutional roles and political commentary.
Clashes over Parliamentary discipline
Dhankhar’s interactions with the Opposition were often strained. During the Manipur violence crisis, as MPs demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence in the Upper House, Dhankhar stood firm, asserting it was the PM’s prerogative to attend, not an obligation. His refusal to intervene was met with disapproval from the Opposition benches.One of the most turbulent phases came during the Winter Session of 2023, when over 140 MPs were suspended—a record number—following repeated disruptions and protests around a security breach in Parliament. Dhankhar’s strong-handed approach drew criticism for being unduly harsh, while he maintained that order in the House must be preserved at all costs.In a rare public exchange, he wrote to the Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, expressing concern over the political logjam. When Kharge declined a meeting, citing procedural overreach, Dhankhar accused him of dodging democratic dialogue.
Comments that stirred controversy
From the floor of the House, Dhankhar often weighed in on ideological matters.
He described the Emergency-era inclusion of the words “socialist” and “secular” in the Constitution’s Preamble as a distortion of original intent. Referring to them as “a festering wound,” he argued that their insertion lacked democratic legitimacy—a statement that reignited old political debates.
He also defended the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) against Opposition criticism, calling it a global intellectual force with a constitutional right to shape public life. These remarks further deepened partisan divides.
In another sharp moment, Dhankhar indirectly referred to certain leaders as aligning with “enemies of the nation”—a veiled reference widely interpreted as an attack on Opposition figures critical of the government abroad.
