INDIA bloc to move no-confidence motion against Jagdeep Dhankhar

The Opposition INDIA bloc is set to bring a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar under Article 67(B) of the Indian Constitution. The motion has already garnered 70 signatures from MPs across various parties in the bloc.

The move reflects growing dissatisfaction among opposition leaders over Dhankhar's handling of proceedings in Upper House of the Parliament. Members of the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Samajwadi Party (SP), and other INDIA bloc constituents are reportedly united in their decision to move forward with the motion.

It is noted that INDIA bloc MPs have frequently accused the Rajya Sabha Chairman of being biased towards the ruling members in the Upper House. They have accused him of frequently interrupting their speeches, refusing to allow adequate debate on critical issues, and favouring the ruling party during contentious discussions.

Opposition MPs argued that the parliamentary convention mandated that the Leader of the Opposition be granted the floor when he rose to speak. A major point of contention was the frequent disruption of Congress President and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge's speeches, with his microphone allegedly being turned off on multiple occasions.

The Opposition also accused Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankhar of making personal remarks against members, which they said violated parliamentary rules. Citing Rule 238(2) of the Rajya Sabha, which explicitly prohibits members from making personal charges against others while speaking, Opposition MPs pointed out that the rule applied to the Chairman as well.