New Delhi : In an unprecedented political move, the Congress-led INDIA bloc has submitted a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar. The opposition has accused Dhankhar of exhibiting bias and conducting House proceedings in a “partisan manner,” leaving them with “no option” but to take this drastic step.
Grounds for the Motion
The motion, submitted under Article 67(B) of the Constitution, accuses Dhankhar of favoring the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during parliamentary sessions and suppressing the voices of opposition MPs. Leaders from key opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Samajwadi Party (SP), have rallied behind the motion.
The TMC claimed that 71 MPs have signed the motion, reflecting a united front within the INDIA bloc. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh confirmed the development, stating on social media platform X, “ALL parties belonging to the INDIA group have had no option but to formally submit a no-confidence motion against the Hon’ble Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for the extremely partisan manner in which he has been conducting the proceedings of the Council of States.”
A “Painful Decision” for Democracy
Ramesh added that the decision was not taken lightly but was deemed essential to uphold the principles of parliamentary democracy. “It has been a very painful decision for the INDIA parties to take, but in the interests of parliamentary democracy, they have had to take this step,” he wrote.
The motion was filed shortly after chaos erupted in both Houses of Parliament. The BJP accused top Congress leaders of colluding with billionaire investor George Soros to destabilize the nation, leading to heated arguments and the eventual adjournment of both Houses within an hour.
A Lasting Tension with Dhankhar’s Conduct
According to opposition sources, the INDIA bloc had gathered the required signatures as early as August but refrained from moving the motion, hoping Dhankhar would adopt a more neutral stance. However, they allege that his actions on Monday were the final straw.
Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed frustration with the government, stating, “It’s evident the government does not want to run the House. There was no provocation when the House was adjourned the previous day without issues, and similarly, no provocation today either.”
A Historic Move in Indian Parliamentary Politics
This no-confidence motion marks a significant moment in Indian politics, highlighting the deepening rift between the ruling party and the opposition. As the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President, Dhankhar holds a crucial position in maintaining the decorum and neutrality of parliamentary proceedings.
The INDIA bloc’s move raises critical questions about the functioning of India’s democratic institutions and the balance of power within the Parliament. The motion’s success or failure will serve as a litmus test for the opposition’s unity and their ability to challenge the BJP-led government.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on the Rajya Sabha, awaiting the next steps in this high-stakes confrontation.
