New Delhi: Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose has filed a privilege motion notice against Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, alleging derogatory remarks against opposition leaders in the Rajya Sabha.

The notice, submitted on Thursday, reportedly bears the signatures of 60 opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc, according to sources.

Ghose, TMC's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and a former journalist, accused Rijiju of undermining opposition MPs instead of fostering constructive dialogue in Parliament. She cited an instance where Rijiju allegedly said, “You all are not worthy of being in this House.” Ghose described the comment as "deeply offensive" and "unbecoming" of a Parliamentary Affairs Minister, accusing him of misusing his position.

The remarks were made amid heightened tensions following Rijiju’s response to the opposition’s criticism of Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Rijiju had rebuked opposition MPs on Wednesday, saying, “If you cannot respect the Chair, you have no right to be a member of this House.”

The controversy adds to the ongoing friction between the government and the opposition. Earlier this week, 60 opposition MPs submitted a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar, accusing him of partisanship in his role as Chairman. The INDIA bloc has expressed dissatisfaction with Dhankhar's handling of Rajya Sabha proceedings, claiming a lack of neutrality.

Thursday’s session of the Rajya Sabha was disrupted by opposition protests, leading to repeated adjournments. The House was eventually adjourned for the day at 2 PM as opposition MPs continued their demonstrations. In contrast, the Lok Sabha proceeded with its scheduled business.

This standoff reflects a broader clash between the ruling party and the opposition over procedural conduct, ministerial behavior, and the perceived erosion of parliamentary decorum. The impasse raises critical questions about the effectiveness and integrity of India’s parliamentary democracy.