Vice President Dhankhar Faces No-Confidence Motion: In an unprecedented political move, opposition parties have tabled a no-confidence motion in the Rajya Sabha to remove Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar from his role. This marks a historic first in Indian political history, as never before has such a motion been initiated against a sitting Vice President. The move, supported by 60 opposition MPs, has sparked heated debates across the political spectrum, raising serious questions about Dhankhar’s impartiality and role as Chairman of the Upper House.
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The timing of the motion is significant, coinciding with the concluding days of the Parliament’s winter session. It has not only escalated tensions between the ruling government and the opposition but has also ignited a broader debate about the functioning of constitutional offices in India. While it’s unlikely that the motion will garner enough support to succeed, its political and symbolic implications are immense.
Why the Opposition Wants Dhankhar Out
The opposition’s dissatisfaction with Vice President Dhankhar’s conduct has been building over recent months, especially during the monsoon and winter sessions of Parliament. They allege that he has acted in a biased manner, consistently favoring the ruling BJP and silencing opposition voices in critical debates. Here are the key events that have fueled this unprecedented move:
- Stifling Opposition in the Rajya Sabha: The monsoon session witnessed several instances where Dhankhar allegedly curtailed the opposition’s right to speak. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was interrupted during discussions on sensitive issues, and TMC MP Derek O’Brien faced reprimands for raising procedural concerns.
- Contentious Issues Allowed for Debate: Dhankhar permitted discussions on controversial topics such as alleged links between Sonia Gandhi and the George Soros Foundation. This sparked outrage among opposition MPs, who accused him of selectively targeting their leaders while shielding the government from criticism.
- Frequent Clashes with the Opposition: Dhankhar’s confrontational style of chairing the House has often led to heated exchanges. Opposition MPs argue that his conduct undermines the neutrality expected from the Vice President and compromises the dignity of the Rajya Sabha.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, while announcing the no-confidence motion, stated, “This is not a decision we took lightly. The Vice President’s actions have left us no choice but to act to protect parliamentary traditions and democracy.”
What the Constitution Says About Removing the Vice President
The process to remove a Vice President is outlined in Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution. It involves:
- A notice of intention to move a resolution, signed by at least 20% of Rajya Sabha members.
- A 14-day notice period before the motion can be debated and voted upon.
- Passage of the motion by an absolute majority in the Rajya Sabha and a simple majority in the Lok Sabha.
This rigorous process ensures that such a motion is not initiated frivolously. However, with only a few days remaining in the winter session, the motion will likely carry over to the next session of Parliament, extending the political drama.
Opposition’s Number Crunching
The INDIA Alliance, comprising Congress, TMC, DMK, and other regional parties, has 84 MPs in the Rajya Sabha. To pass the motion, they need the support of 116 MPs, which remains an uphill task given the BJP-led NDA’s numerical strength in both Houses of Parliament. Even with support from smaller parties like the BRS and AAP, the opposition’s numbers fall short.
Political analysts believe that the motion is unlikely to succeed but serves a symbolic purpose. It allows the opposition to spotlight their grievances and galvanize public support by accusing the Vice President of partisanship. I think “The opposition is aware they lack the numbers. This is more about sending a strong message and rallying their base ahead of the 2024 general elections.”
A Test of Unity for the Opposition
Beyond targeting Dhankhar, the no-confidence motion has become a litmus test for the INDIA Alliance’s cohesion. Internal differences have occasionally surfaced within the alliance, with parties like the TMC and Congress competing for leadership in opposition politics. A united stand on this motion could bolster their credibility as a cohesive alternative to the BJP. Conversely, any visible cracks could weaken their position in the eyes of voters.
The motion also places smaller parties in a dilemma. Supporting the motion could alienate them from the ruling government, while abstaining or opposing it might strain their ties with the opposition alliance. This balancing act will be critical in determining the outcome of the motion and the future of opposition politics.
A Historic Political Precedent
If the motion proceeds, it will set a historic precedent in Indian politics. No Vice President has faced impeachment proceedings before. The significance of this event lies not just in its rarity but in its potential impact on the functioning of constitutional offices. Critics argue that initiating such motions risks politicizing these roles, while supporters contend that it ensures accountability.
Former political secretary PDT Acharya explains, “The Vice President, as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, holds a position of immense responsibility. If there are genuine grievances about his conduct, the opposition has the right to seek redress through constitutional means.”
The Road Ahead
As the winter session nears its end, all eyes are on the evolving political drama surrounding Vice President Dhankhar. If the motion carries over to the next session, it will likely dominate parliamentary proceedings, overshadowing other legislative priorities. The government and the BJP are expected to counter the opposition’s narrative aggressively, portraying the motion as a politically motivated attack.
Political observers also note that the motion’s outcome could influence public perceptions ahead of the 2024 general elections. While its success remains improbable, the opposition’s move underscores the growing tensions between constitutional offices and the political class.
The no-confidence motion against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar marks a watershed moment in Indian politics. While its immediate success appears unlikely, its symbolic and political significance cannot be understated. For the opposition, it’s a bold attempt to assert their grievances and challenge the ruling establishment. For the BJP, it’s an opportunity to rally their base and counter allegations of institutional bias.
As the debate unfolds, the nation watches closely, aware that this historic clash in Parliament will shape the political narrative for months to come. Will it serve as a wake-up call for constitutional accountability, or will it remain a symbolic gesture? Only time will tell.
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