Congress Chief Kharge Slams Rajya Sabha Speaker Jagdeep Dhankar, Calls Him Main Cause Of Parliament Disruption

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has criticised Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar, accusing him of being the main cause of disruptions in parliament. Kharge claims that Dhankar's actions have been biased, prioritising politics over parliamentary rules. He argues that since 1952, no Vice President has engaged in politics like Dhankar, which has led to a breakdown in the House's functioning.

The opposition parties have taken a significant step by submitting a notice to remove Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar from his position as the chairman of the Upper House. This unprecedented move was initiated by parties within the INDIA bloc, who accuse Dhankhar of biased conduct. The notice was signed by 60 opposition MPs, including members from Congress, RJD, TMC, CPI, CPI-M, JMM, AAP, DMK, and Samajwadi Party.

Opposition's No Confidence Motion

The motion against Dhankhar requires a simple majority to pass but faces challenges due to numbers. The BJP and its allies hold 121 seats in the Rajya Sabha compared to the opposition's 86. Non-aligned parties like YSRCP, BJD, AIADMK, BRS and BSP collectively have 24 members. Despite these odds, opposition members view this motion as a crucial stand for parliamentary democracy.

Kharge further alleged that Dhankar's behaviour undermines the dignity of his office by targeting opposition leaders while praising the government. He likened Dhankar's conduct to that of a school headmaster who lectures seasoned opposition figures and restricts their speech. These accusations were made during a session where the Rajya Sabha couldn't function due to various issues.

Historical Context and Procedure

This is the first instance of a motion being moved in Rajya Sabha for removing a Vice President. A 14-day notice is required for such motions and must be approved by the Deputy Chairman before proceeding. Notably absent from the signatories are Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and other prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi.

In past instances, similar notices have been submitted for removing Lok Sabha Speakers but never against a Vice President or Rajya Sabha Chairman. The current situation highlights growing tensions between political factions within India's parliamentary system.

The notice was officially submitted by Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Naseer Hussain on behalf of the opposition. This action underscores their commitment to challenging what they perceive as partisan behaviour in parliamentary proceedings.

As events unfold, it remains crucial for all parties involved to adhere strictly to democratic principles and ensure fair representation within India's legislative framework.