New Delhi: Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday accused Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Dhankhar of undermining the dignity of his constitutional role and prioritizing politics over parliamentary norms. The opposition parties, under INDIA bloc, had moved a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar, alleging biased conduct and partisan behavior.
“The Vice President holds the second most significant constitutional post in India. Since 1952, no resolution has been brought to remove a Vice President because they have always been unbiased and beyond politics,” said Kharge. He added, “But today, there is more politics than rules in the House. Discussions are limited, and political interference is on the rise.”
Kharge’s allegations
Kharge criticized Dhankhar’s approach, accusing him of acting like a “headmaster” in Rajya Sabha. “He targets opposition leaders, stops them from speaking, and lectures experienced members of the House. His fidelity lies with the ruling party instead of the Constitution and constitutional traditions,” Kharge said.
The Congress president further alleged that Dhankhar’s behavior suggests aspirations for political advancement. “He acts like a spokesperson for the government, possibly for his next promotion. I have no hesitation in saying that the biggest disruptor in the Rajya Sabha is the Chairman himself,” he said.
Bias allegations and INDIA bloc’s motion
On Tuesday, the INDIA bloc submitted a formal notice under Article 67 of the Constitution, seeking Dhankhar’s removal. Opposition leaders claimed the motion was necessary after repeated incidents of biased conduct during Rajya Sabha proceedings.
Kharge elaborated on the reasons behind the motion, saying, “Whenever important issues are raised from the opposition side as per rules, the Chairman does not allow discussions in a planned manner. Time and again, opposition leaders are stopped from speaking.”
INDIA bloc alleged that Dhankhar’s actions have gone against the constitutional mandate of impartiality. “Since 1952, no proposal has been brought under Article 67 because Vice Presidents have always been neutral. This time, we had no choice but to act,” Kharge said.
For the motion to succeed, the opposition requires a simple majority in the 243-member Rajya Sabha. However, with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holding a majority, the motion faces slim chances of passing.
Despite this, opposition leaders view the motion as a symbolic stand against what they perceive as a breach of constitutional norms.
“This motion is not just about numbers. It is about highlighting how politics has been prioritized over rules in the Rajya Sabha,” Kharge said.
