INDIA Bloc Breaks New Ground in Parliamentary History, Accusing Chairman Dhankhar of Partisan Conduct
New Delhi, December 13: In an unprecedented move, the INDIA bloc, led by the Congress, has submitted a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. This is the first instance in the history of the Rajya Sabha where such a motion has been directed at its presiding officer.
The opposition, during a joint press conference, justified the historic step as necessary to “safeguard democracy and the Constitution.” They accused Chairman Dhankhar of partisanship and alleged that his conduct undermined the neutrality expected of his position.
“The Chairman has shown clear favoritism towards the ruling party. This behavior jeopardizes the principles of democracy and equality that the Constitution upholds,” said a senior leader from the INDIA bloc.
Chairman Responds to Allegations
Responding to the motion, Jagdeep Dhankhar dismissed the accusations and reiterated his commitment to impartiality and constitutional values. “I am a farmer’s son, and I will not show weakness. I will sacrifice my life for my country. The opposition is free to exercise its rights, but I will not allow baseless accusations to disrupt the functioning of this House,” he stated in a fiery session on Friday.
A First in Parliamentary History
Historically, no-confidence motions are mechanisms used in the Lok Sabha to express dissatisfaction with the Council of Ministers. However, the Rajya Sabha has no such precedent of a motion directed at its presiding officer. The INDIA bloc’s move thus marks a significant departure from tradition and signals rising tensions between the Treasury and Opposition benches.
Political Reactions
BJP leaders have strongly criticized the motion, calling it a political stunt aimed at derailing the Winter Session. “This is nothing but an attempt by the opposition to create a spectacle. The Chairman has always acted within his constitutional mandate,” said a senior BJP MP.
The INDIA bloc, however, stood firm on its stance. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Chairman of encouraging BJP members to attack the opposition and sidelining the voices of non-Treasury members. “This is not just about our party. This is about protecting the integrity of the Rajya Sabha and ensuring its impartiality,” Kharge asserted.
Parliamentary Disruptions Continue
The Winter Session, which began on November 25, has seen repeated adjournments over contentious issues. Both Houses have struggled to function amidst uproar, with the no-confidence motion further intensifying the political discord.
The Rajya Sabha is set to reconvene on December 16, with the no-confidence motion likely to dominate proceedings. Whether the motion gains traction or is dismissed remains to be seen, but its historical significance cannot be understated.
With this unprecedented step, the INDIA bloc has pushed the boundaries of parliamentary practice, igniting a debate on the limits of accountability within the upper house of India’s legislature.
