Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till December 16 Amid Ruckus Over No-Trust Motion Against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar
In a dramatic turn of events, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till December 16, 2023, due to a massive uproar over a no-trust motion filed by opposition parties against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. The opposition, led by the Congress, had submitted a notice to move the motion, accusing Dhankhar of being "extremely partisan" in his conduct as the Chairman of the Upper House.
The no-trust motion against the Chairman is a rare and significant development in the history of the Rajya Sabha, and it has sent shockwaves across the country's political landscape. The motion was moved by the opposition parties after repeated allegations of partisan behavior by Dhankhar, who they claim has been biased in his approach and has consistently favored the ruling party in his decisions.
The Congress, along with several other opposition parties, has been at odds with the Chairman over various issues, including the handling of crucial bills, suspension of opposition members, and alleged non-compliance with parliamentary procedures. The opposition has also accused Dhankhar of exceeding his constitutional powers and not upholding the principles of neutrality and impartiality.
The notice to move the no-trust motion against Dhankhar was submitted by the opposition parties on December 13, 2023. According to sources, the notice was signed by several opposition members, including members of the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party. The notice accused Dhankhar of "gross misconduct" and "partisan behavior," which had allegedly compromised the dignity and prestige of the Rajya Sabha.
As soon as the no-trust motion was moved, the Rajya Sabha was plunged into chaos. Members of the opposition parties stormed into the well of the House, shouting slogans and holding placards that demanded the removal of Dhankhar. The atmosphere was thick with tension as the Chair refused to allow the motion to be taken up for discussion, leading to a fierce debate between the opposition and the ruling party.
Ruling party members, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), strongly opposed the no-trust motion and claimed that it was a mere tactic by the opposition to disrupt the functioning of the House. They also accused the opposition of resorting to unconstitutional means to undermine the authority of the Chair.
However, the opposition maintained that the no-trust motion was a necessary step to restore the integrity and dignity of the Rajya Sabha, which they claimed had been compromised by Dhankhar's biased behavior. The opposition parties reiterated their charges against the Chairman and demanded that the motion be taken up for discussion and a vote.
The Rajya Sabha proceedings continued to be disrupted throughout the day, with repeated adjournments and attempts to restore order. As the disruption continued, the government ultimately requested an adjournment of the House until December 16, 2023.
The adjournment has given both sides some breathing space, but the no-trust motion has set the stage for a major showdown between the opposition and the ruling party in the days ahead. The outcome of the motion is uncertain, but the opposition has vowed to fight for the removal of Dhankhar, even if it means stalling the business of the House.
The significance of the no-trust motion lies in its constitutional implications. Article 89 of the Indian Constitution provides for the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha to be removed by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting. The motion needs to be supported by at least 163 members of the Rajya Sabha, who must be present and voting, to pass.
The opposition's efforts to mobilize support for the no-trust motion will not be easy, given the fractured nature of the Rajya Sabha and the fragmentation of opposition parties. However, the fact that multiple parties have come together to file the no-trust motion against Dhankhar sends a clear signal that they are willing to put aside their differences to assert their collective right to hold the Chair accountable.
Dhankhar, a seasoned politician, has refused to comment on the no-trust motion, but sources close to him insist that he remains committed to upholding the dignity and traditions of the Rajya Sabha and will continue to discharge his duties impartially. However, his survival as Chairman depends on the support he receives from the ruling party and the numerical strength of the opposition parties.
As the Rajya Sabha remains adjourned, Indian politics is waiting with bated breath for the impending battle between the opposition and the ruling party over the fate of Dhankhar. The outcome of this confrontation will not only determine the future of the Chairman but also have significant implications for the functioning of the Rajya Sabha and the overall tenor of Indian politics.
