In a surprising and unprecedented move, the Opposition’s INDIA Bloc on Tuesday filed a no-confidence motion against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The motion, which has been signed by 65 Members of Parliament (MPs), marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the Opposition and the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
While official statements from the Opposition parties regarding the motion have not been released, sources have revealed that the no-confidence motion was submitted in response to accusations of partiality leveled against Dhankhar. The Opposition has alleged that the Rajya Sabha Chairman has repeatedly denied them the opportunity to speak in the House, and has acted in a manner that favors the ruling dispensation.
Despite the strong political gesture, the motion is unlikely to succeed, as the Opposition lacks the majority required to pass it in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. The move has, however, escalated the ongoing political friction between the ruling government and the Opposition, which has been vocal about the functioning of Parliament under Dhankhar’s leadership.
The no-confidence motion comes on the same day that both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned due to unruly scenes in Parliament. MPs from both the Opposition and the ruling benches exchanged heated remarks, leading to disruptions and forcing the adjournment of the day’s scheduled business.