New Delhi: For the first time in the history of Rajya Sabha, a no-confidence motion has been moved against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is also Vice President of India. Opposition parties under the INDIA bloc have accused Dhankhar of partiality in conducting parliamentary proceedings, prompting them to formally propose his removal. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the INDIA bloc had no choice but to take this step due to Dhankhar’s alleged biased conduct.
Opposition leaders, including 60 MPs from Congress, TMC, AAP, SP, DMK, CPI, and RJD, have signed the notice under Article 67(b) of the Constitution. The motion cites dissatisfaction with Dhankhar’s management of the Rajya Sabha and claims of favouring the ruling party during proceedings.
The process to remove the Rajya Sabha Chairman is outlined in Article 67(b) of the Constitution. It begins with a motion introduced in the Rajya Sabha, requiring the support of 50% of the members present. If passed, it must also secure majority approval in the Lok Sabha. Additionally, a 14-day notice is mandatory before the motion is considered.
Opposition leaders have acknowledged the procedural challenges, as the numbers in Parliament favour the ruling party. While this motion may not lead to Dhankhar’s removal, it highlights the growing tensions between the opposition and the chair. The INDIA bloc asserts that this move is aimed at upholding parliamentary traditions and ensuring fair conduct during sessions.
If the motion proceeds, it will mark the first such attempt in India’s parliamentary history, signalling a significant political development. Reports indicate that the decision to proceed with the motion reflects the opposition’s discontent over recent parliamentary events.
