The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the Opposition INDIA bloc’s resolution to seek the removal of Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday called the move “extremely regrettable” and accused the Opposition of disrespecting the sanctity of parliamentary proceedings.
Rijiju Defends Dhankhar’s Integrity
Speaking to the media, Rijiju lauded Vice President Dhankhar as a professional and impartial figure, emphasizing his dedication to public welfare. “Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji comes from a humble background. He always talks about farmers’ and people’s welfare inside and outside Parliament. He guides us, and we respect him,” Rijiju said, as quoted by ANI.
Criticizing the Opposition’s behavior, Rijiju stated, “The Opposition disrespects the dignity of the Chair, be it in the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha. The Congress and their alliance consistently behave wrongly, refusing to follow directions from the Chair.” He also condemned the 60 MPs who signed the notice, asserting that the BJP-led NDA, with its majority, continues to support and trust Dhankhar’s leadership.
Opposition Accuses Dhankhar of Bias
In their notice submitted to Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody, Opposition MPs accused Dhankhar of partisanship, alleging that he has unfairly interrupted Opposition members, misused privilege motions, and delegitimized dissent. The notice read, “The manner in which Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar conducts parliamentary affairs is extremely partisan. He has repeatedly silenced leaders of the Opposition and openly disparaged dissent.”
Historic Context and Political Implications
No Vice President in India has ever been impeached. While the Opposition insists their motion is a “strong message to fight for parliamentary democracy,” they lack the requisite numbers in the 243-member House to pass it. A simple majority is required, which the INDIA bloc is unlikely to achieve.
Rijiju dismissed the notice as a politically motivated move lacking substantive grounds. “NDA has the majority, and we are happy with the way the Vice President guides the House,” he said, reaffirming the BJP’s support for Dhankhar.
As the situation unfolds, the INDIA bloc’s unprecedented move has drawn sharp political battle lines, adding another chapter to the ongoing tussle between the government and Opposition over parliamentary procedures and democratic norms.