Modi welcomes Rajya Sabha chairman with veiled dig at Dhankhar?
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed new Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan on Monday. He called it a "proud moment" for the House and praised the Vice President's approach to public life. The PM said, "In public life, after reaching high positions, people often feel the weight of office and sometimes get constrained by protocol." He noted that the VP never let protocol bind him. "In your personality, we see service, dedication and discipline, qualities from which we all draw inspiration."
New chairman
Modi's praise for Radhakrishnan
PM Modi added that it was an honor to have known the new chairman. "Only a few people get such an opportunity. In Jharkhand, the way you developed your relationship with the tribal people...Even if a helicopter is available or not, you kept moving. I have seen you as a karyakarta (worker), as an MP, and I have felt that usually people are suppressed due to the protocol, but you have no relation with the protocol."
Twitter Post
Modi praises VP
#WATCH | Delhi: In Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi says, "You (CP Radhakrishnan) were born in Dollar City, and it has its own identity. Despite this, you chose 'Antyodaya' as your field of service. You always cared for the oppressed, downtrodden, and marginalised families, even… pic.twitter.com/F6Zaef9ydf
— ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2025
Possible criticism
Modi's remarks seen as veiled criticism of former VP Dhankhar
PM Modi's comments were perceived as a subtle jab at former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Dhankhar had resigned from his position in July, which was speculated to be due to tensions with the PM. The resignation came amid controversy over an Opposition-backed notice for a motion involving Justice Yashwant Varma, which was accepted by Dhankhar in the Rajya Sabha. The judge had been in the news for a huge cash recovery at his official residence.