Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Urges Rajya Sabha Members to Uphold Parliamentary Traditions

New Delhi, May 13 — Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called upon members of the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday to uphold the highest standards of parliamentary debate and prioritize national interest and security above partisan considerations.

In a letter addressed to all Members of Parliament on the 73rd anniversary of the first sitting of the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar emphasized the chamber’s significant legacy in shaping national discourse.

"Indeed a moment of deep reflection for us all and also of pride that over the decades the Council of States has played a pivotal role in upholding public causes and giving direction to national discourse," Dhankhar said.

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As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he noted that this anniversary is momentous, coinciding with the 75th year of the Indian Republic.

Dhankhar also invoked the Constituent Assembly's legacy, praising the spirit of cooperation and consensus that prevailed during its debates, even on contentious and divisive issues.

"This is also a moment to recall the exemplary standards that have been set by members of the Constituent Assembly in respect of discourse. Contentious and divisive issues were traversed in a spirit of cooperation and consensualism," he stated.

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Concluding his message, the Vice President thanked all members and appealed for continued commitment to dignified parliamentary conduct.

"On this occasion, I extend my greetings to you all and appeal to continue to uphold the highest traditions of parliamentary debate and discourse so as to inspire and motivate our people," the letter read.

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The message commemorates the Rajya Sabha's legacy and calls for action for the future, urging lawmakers to remain custodians of democratic values and deliberative integrity.