- By Shubham Bajpai
- Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Congress MP and general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, is in hot water for his 'cheerleader' remark against former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee met on Monday to examine the complaint filed by BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi.
Ramesh was present before the panel, which comprised Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Sudhanshu Trivedi, Deepak Prakash, Kartikeya Sharma, Surendra Singh Nagar and GK Vasan.
According to several reports, he defended his remark, saying that he did not intend to disrespect the Chair and that he holds it in high regard.
The case stems from Ramesh's March 2023 comments in the Rajya Sabha when the then VP had slammed Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the UK where he alleged that the microphones of the microphones were being muted in the Parliament.
While speaking with the British parliamentarians in London, Gandhi had said, "Our mikes are not out of order, they are functioning, but you still can't switch them on. That's happened to me a number of times while I am speaking".
Responding to Dhankhar, Ramesh asked the former not to act as a cheerleader for the government. Ramesh had said, "The Chairman is an umpire, a referee, a friend, philosopher, and guide to all. He cannot be a cheerleader for any ruling dispensation. History measures leaders not on the zealousness with which they defend their party, but the dignity with which they perform their roles in the service of the people".
Ramesh's remark met with strong objection from the BJP, after which Trivedi filed a formal complaint, accusing him of breaching the privilege.
The panel is reportedly weighing the options, all available material, Ramesh's explanation, to decide on his parliamentary conduct and next step. The panel may again summon the Congress MP for further clarification.