RS dy chairman rejects Opposition no-confidence motion against Dhankhar

In a dramatic turn of events during the winter session of Parliament, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh on Thursday dismissed a no-confidence motion filed by Opposition members against vice-president and de facto Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.

The motion, signed by approximately 60 opposition MPs on 10 December, alleged bias on Dhankhar's part, claiming a lack of impartiality in his role. One of the reasons the Opposition's petition was rejected was because "the name of Jagdeep Dhankar was not correctly spelt in the entire petition," claimed journalist Arvind Gunasekar.

Opposition leaders, primarily from the INDIA alliance, argued that Dhankhar's conduct had undermined the democratic functioning of the Upper House. However, the deputy chairman rejected the motion, citing procedural lapses and insufficient grounds for impeachment. The decision has further escalated tension between the treasury and Opposition benches during the ongoing session.

The impeachment notice came amid growing friction between Opposition parties and the BJP-led government, particularly over key legislative decisions.

This marks a rare instance of such a motion being brought against a sitting vice-president, highlighting the Opposition's dissatisfaction with Dhankhar’s tenure since his election in 2022. Allegations of bias have stemmed from several instances where Opposition members felt their voices were stifled during debates.

Reacting to it, Congress Rajya Sabha MP and general-secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said the chairman had agreed with what he had said in the letter. "He asked me to forget what he had said and bury my letter, which will find place only in his memoirs. He, in fact, apologised to me," Ramesh posted on X.

The rejection of the no-confidence motion underlines the deepening rift between the Opposition and the ruling party. As Parliament reconvenes, all eyes will be on the INDIA alliance's next move and the BJP's strategy to maintain legislative momentum amid mounting criticism.