The opposition on Wednesday escalated its criticism of Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing him of being the “biggest reason for the disruptions” in the Upper House.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing a press conference at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, claimed that Dhankhar’s conduct has undermined the dignity of his office. He alleged that the Chairman consistently targets opposition leaders while praising the government, describing his actions as partisan and more in line with a government spokesperson.
Kharge stated that the opposition had “no option” but to bring forward a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar due to his biased behavior. “We have nothing against the RS Chairman, but he has left us no choice but to seek his removal,” Kharge said, adding that the opposition is “fed up” with his partiality.
The Congress leader further emphasized that Dhankhar’s actions have “harmed the country’s dignity” and accused him of prioritizing politics over parliamentary rules. “The Chairman has indulged in partisan behavior, with politics taking precedence over the rules in the Rajya Sabha,” Kharge alleged.
Kharge pointed out that since 1952, no resolution under Article 67 of the Constitution had been filed against the Vice President. He noted that previous officeholders had never engaged in politics and maintained impartiality.
DMK leader Tiruchi Siva also voiced strong opposition, alleging an attack on the country’s democracy by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Parliament. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Nadimul Haque echoed similar sentiments, stating that he agrees with Kharge’s remarks, adding that opposition members are not allowed to express themselves freely in the Rajya Sabha.
In response to Dhankhar’s actions, the opposition INDIA bloc submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, seeking his removal. The notice, signed by 60 opposition MPs from parties such as Congress, RJD, TMC, CPI, CPI(M), JMM, AAP, DMK, and Samajwadi Party, was handed to Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody by Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Naseer Hussain.
This move marks a significant escalation in the opposition’s efforts to challenge Dhankhar’s leadership of the Rajya Sabha.
