The Rajya Sabha session turned tense on Friday with House Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar locking horns with Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan.
It started after Jaya Bachchan took objection to the tone of the chairman, following which Dhankhar replied sharply.
While addressing the session, Dhankhar invited her to speak, saying, "Jaya Amitabh Bachchan is the last speaker on this point." This did not go down very well with Jaya Bachchan, who assailed the tone of the Chair, describing it as 'unacceptable.'
"I, Jaya Amitabh Bachchan, want to say that I am an artist and understand body language and expression. I am sorry to say that, but your tone. . is not acceptable," she insisted.
Angered, Dhankhar asked her to take her seat, and said everybody, irrespective of any status, must maintain the decorum of the House.
This caused an uproar in the Opposition protesting against Dhankhar's harsh response to Jaya Bachchan.
The House continued to witness protests despite Dhankhar standing firm, recalling how he often went out of his way to address the concerns of members and ensure smooth proceedings in the House. "You may be a celebrity, but everyone has to follow the decorum. Never assume that only you have a reputation," he sternly told the Samajwadi Party MP.
He also said that though he holds the 'highest respect' for his fellow Parliamentarians, it doesn't give anyone a licence to level accusations against the Chair.
Amidst the face-off, Opposition members walked out of the Upper House.
Speaking to the media later, Jaya Bachchan said she felt humiliated and was upset over the tone of Chairman, demanding an apology.
She further alleged that the microphone of the Leader of the Opposition was switched off when he tried to speak.
The incident is not an isolated one. Some time ago, Jaya Bachchan had strongly protested against being addressed by the name of her husband and insisted on being referred to as Jaya Bachchan.
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