(IMAGE – PTI)
In a rare step, the opposition group called the INDIA bloc filed a no-confidence motion against Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. They claimed he was biased in his role in Parliament. However, the motion was turned down because it did not follow the proper rules.
On December 10, 2024, the opposition filed a motion claiming that Vice President Dhankhar showed favoritism. They said he let members of the ruling party speak but stopped opposition MPs from doing the same. For example, he allowed BJP members to connect Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to billionaire George Soros but rejected 11 requests from the opposition to discuss important issues. These included violence between communities in Uttar Pradesh, cyclone damage in Tamil Nadu, ethnic conflicts in Manipur, and the long-running farmers’ protest.
Procedural Grounds for Rejection – On December 19, Deputy Chairman Harivansh turned down the motion because of mistakes in the process. He pointed out that the motion didn’t follow the rule of giving a 14-day notice, which is required. He also mentioned that Vice President Dhankhar’s name was written incorrectly in the document. Harivansh said it seemed like the motion was trying to create a negative story about the Vice President, who is the second most important person in India’s government.
Vice President’s Response – Vice President Dhankhar responded to the situation by criticizing the opposition’s action. He compared it to trying to perform “bypass surgery with a vegetable-cutting knife,” suggesting it was both ineffective and rushed. He stressed that in a democracy, open expression and discussion are crucial and cautioned against organized efforts to weaken national institutions. Dhankhar also pointed out the media’s responsibility in keeping public officials in check.
Historical Context and Political Implications – This event is the first time in India’s parliamentary history that a proposal to remove the Rajya Sabha Chairman has been made. While it is mostly symbolic because the opposition doesn’t have enough votes to actually remove him, the move highlights the growing conflict between the opposition and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The Vice President, who was elected as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been criticized by opposition parties for how he has handled parliamentary meetings.
In the end, the failure of the no-confidence motion against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar shows how strict and formal the rules of Parliament are. It also reveals the growing political disagreements within India’s government. As the winter session of Parliament ends, this event reminds us of the difficulties in keeping both political parties working together in the country’s most important law-making institutions.
BY – NIKITA
