INDIA bloc calls Dhankhar ‘RSS Eklavya’ amid historic no-confidence motion

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on vice-president and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing him of undermining the dignity of his office and showing bias in favour of the government.

Kharge accused Dhankhar of acting like the “Eklavya of RSS”, pointing out that the vice-president frequently praises the government and targets Opposition leaders.

Speaking at a joint press conference of the INDIA bloc at New Delhi's Constitution Club, Kharge said Dhankhar’s conduct over the past three years has forced the Opposition to take the unprecedented step of seeking his removal.

“This is the first time since 1952 that a resolution has been brought against a vice-president. We regret that the bias shown by the chairman has left us with no choice,” Kharge said, quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s assertion that the vice-president, as ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha, must uphold neutrality.

"We have taken this step very thoughtfully and under compulsion with the intention of saving the country's Constitution and democracy," the Congress president said.

Addressing the media, RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) MP Manoj Jha said, "It's not about an individual but it's about the restoration of the core principles of democracy... If you have seen the proceedings of the last two days — the language a few people have used for those whom we had respect — it not only pains us, but we also think that if there would be a regime change in the days to come, will we be able to repair and restore the democracy?"

The INDIA bloc on Tuesday formally submitted a notice for a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar, accusing him of “partisan” behaviour in the Upper House. The motion, unprecedented in Indian parliamentary history, has triggered a political showdown between the Opposition and the ruling BJP.

The AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) did not attend the joint press conference because it had an appointment with the Election Commission of India, Congress MP and general-secretary (communication) Jairam Ramesh said.

Amid uproar in both Houses of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day as Opposition members demanded a debate on the no-confidence notice.

The BJP has dismissed the allegations against Dhankhar, with party leaders accusing the Opposition of attempting to undermine democratic institutions and emphasizing Dhankhar's adherence to Constitutional principles.

The political impasse reflects deepening tensions between the Opposition and the government. After Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's meeting with Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, the Lok Sabha functioned but Rajya Sabha was not allowed to function, Ramesh added.

As the controversy over the no-confidence motion against Dhankhar becomes another flashpoint between the Opposition and the BJP, it highlights critical questions about the role of Constitutional authorities such as the VP in conducting free and fair proceedings in Parliament.