New Delhi [India]: The Opposition has escalated its confrontation with Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing him of bias and undermining parliamentary democracy. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh and other leaders of the INDIA bloc have openly criticized Dhankhar’s conduct, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge likening his role to that of an umpire who must remain impartial.
Key Developments:
- No-Confidence Motion:
- The INDIA bloc submitted a no-confidence motion against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on December 10, citing his alleged failure to uphold the dignity and neutrality of the Rajya Sabha.
- Kharge, defending the motion, said, “The Chairman is an umpire and should not take sides. It is unfair to solely blame me for initiating this motion; it was a collective decision.”
- Jairam Ramesh’s Criticism:
- Ramesh accused Dhankhar of silencing opposition voices and disrespecting Dalits. “The Chairman cannot demand respect; he must command it. This is a one-sided democracy,” Ramesh remarked, highlighting grievances about unequal speaking opportunities for opposition leaders.
- Kharge vs. Dhankhar:
- A heated exchange took place in the Rajya Sabha, with Kharge accusing Dhankhar of encouraging ruling party members to target the opposition.
- In response, Dhankhar defended himself, saying, “I am a farmer’s son and will not show weakness. I will sacrifice my life for the country. You have the right to bring a motion, but do not insult the Constitution.”
- Shaktisinh Gohil’s Remarks:
- Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil criticized the BJP for fostering chaos in the Rajya Sabha, likening the current state to an internal attack on democracy. “Today, the dignity of Parliament is being attacked from within,” Gohil said.
- Opposition’s Call to Action:
- The INDIA bloc held a joint press conference, explaining that the motion was necessary to “safeguard democracy and the Constitution.”
- Opposition leaders reiterated their demand for fair time allocation in debates and accused the ruling party of deliberately disrupting proceedings.
Background and Implications:
The no-confidence motion against the Rajya Sabha Chairman is unprecedented and underscores the deepening rift between the opposition and the ruling party. The INDIA bloc has framed the motion as a stand for democratic principles, while Dhankhar and BJP leaders view it as an unwarranted attack on his authority.
This standoff highlights broader concerns about parliamentary functioning, the role of the presiding officer, and the balance of power between the government and opposition. It sets the stage for a contentious parliamentary session, with the Opposition asserting its right to voice concerns and the ruling coalition defending its governance.