A no-confidence motion tabled by the Opposition against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar was dismissed on procedural grounds. The motion, lodged in protest against Dhankhar’s alleged partiality in managing parliamentary proceedings, was ruled inadmissible under Rajya Sabha regulations.
During heated House discussions, the opposition, led by the Congress and backed by a number of other parties, accused Dhankhar of violating parliamentary rules and giving preference to the governing BJP.
The motion was submitted in the wake of continuing political disputes over important topics, such as the Women’s Reservation Bill and Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on BR Ambedkar.
Citing Article 90(c) of the Constitution and Rule 256 of the Rajya Sabha guidelines, which specify the justifications and steps for such motions, Chairman Dhankhar denied the move.
These provisions state that a resolution of no-confidence against the chairman may only be approved if certain requirements are met, which the motion that was presented allegedly did not.
The opposition reacted strongly to the refusal, accusing the chairman of evading responsibility. Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge observed, “This decision is yet another example of how democratic principles are being eroded in this House.”
Members of the ruling party, however, stood up for Dhankhar and said that the opposition was attempting to undermine legislative procedures for political reasons. “The Chairman has carried out his constitutionally allowed duties,” ruling party noted.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, “This motion was politically motivated and frivolous.”
In India’s parliamentary history, the no-confidence motion is a relatively rare action that highlights the growing divide between the opposition and the ruling coalition.
The opposition has pledged to keep protesting in spite of the rejection, which has made the present deadlock in Parliament even more intense. As the political deadlock persists, the Rajya Sabha, which has had many adjournments in recent days, is anticipated to experience further interruptions.
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