The Congress-led INDIA bloc has submitted a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, alleging “partisan functioning.” Despite the move, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has asserted the NDA’s majority in the Upper House, calling the motion a disrespectful act against the Chair’s dignity.
Opposition’s Allegations of Partisan Conduct
The motion, backed by over 70 MPs from the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Samajwadi Party (SP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accuses Dhankhar of bias and frequent interruptions during parliamentary proceedings.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that Dhankhar’s “extremely partisan” handling of debates forced the INDIA bloc to file the motion. Specific complaints include:
- Interruptions during the speeches of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
- Instances where Kharge’s microphone was turned off.
- Alleged personal remarks against Opposition members.
Rijiju’s Strong Rebuttal
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the allegations, asserting that the NDA holds a clear majority in the Upper House. He highlighted Vice President Dhankhar’s contributions as a leader from a humble background who has consistently worked for farmers and the common people.
“The Congress and its allies have repeatedly shown disregard for the Chair’s authority,” Rijiju stated. He further praised Dhankhar for his impartial guidance and condemned the motion as politically motivated.
Wider Tensions in Parliament
The no-confidence motion comes amid intense parliamentary disruptions. On Monday and Tuesday, BJP MPs, led by JP Nadda, accused Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of ties to billionaire George Soros and his foundation, alleging national security concerns.
Meanwhile, the Opposition criticised the BJP for stalling debates on key issues, including:
- Farmers’ Minimum Support Price (MSP) protests.
- Communal violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district.
Key Takeaways
- The NDA maintains confidence in its majority despite the Opposition’s motion.
- The INDIA bloc accuses Dhankhar of violating parliamentary norms and favoring the ruling party.
- Ongoing clashes in Parliament highlight a deepening divide between the ruling and Opposition parties.
As the no-confidence motion unfolds, it underscores the heightened political tensions in India’s parliamentary system. While the INDIA bloc alleges bias and a breakdown of parliamentary decorum, the ruling NDA defends its stance with confidence in its majority and the Chair’s integrity.
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