Manashimaya
In a significant political development, as many as 50 Opposition MPs have united to bring a no-confidence motion against Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar. This unprecedented move, under Article 67(B) of the Indian Constitution, has been fuelled by a growing sense of dissatisfaction among Opposition members, who feel that the Vice-President has overstepped his role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Reasons Behind the No-Confidence Motion
The opposition’s relationship with the administration has reached a new low, coinciding with their decision to launch a vote of no confidence against the vice president. Fifty MPs support the proposal, which outlines three major grievances. First and foremost, the Opposition claims that it has not had enough time or space to voice its concerns. The MPs assert that the customs of parliament are being disregarded, particularly the one that permits the Leader of the Opposition to address the House at any time. Numerous complaints have been made against Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge for reportedly shutting down his microphone to silence the opposition.
The second point raised by the Opposition centres around the need for the House to be governed by established “rules and conventions.” They assert that the floor of the House is the supreme platform for parliamentary debate and that issues arising within the House should be resolved there, rather than being relegated to private meetings in the Chairman’s chamber. This point emphasises the importance of transparency and accountability in parliamentary proceedings, principles the Opposition feels have been undermined.
The third and perhaps most personal grievance is the accusation that the Vice-President has made inappropriate personal remarks against members of the House. According to Rule 238(2) of the Rajya Sabha, members are prohibited from
making personal charges against one another, a rule that the Opposition insists should also apply to the Chairman.
The Constitutional Path’s Political Repercussions
The Indian parliament has never before considered a resolution of no confidence against Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, should it be filed. Article 67(B) of the Indian Constitution lays forth the procedure for removing a vice president from office. The resolution needs to be approved by an effective majority in the Rajya Sabha and a simple majority in the Lok Sabha. Only with a minimum of 14 days notice may the resolution be rescheduled, allowing both sides to get ready for what could turn out to be an incredibly intense political battle.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Opposition leaders acknowledge the challenges they face. The Opposition bloc, excluding a few key parties, holds 87 seats in the Rajya Sabha, which may not be sufficient to pass the resolution without broader support. Similarly, the resolution must also pass in the Lok Sabha, where the numbers are even less favourable for the Opposition. However, as one senior leader put it, “This is not about arithmetic. It is about relaying our sentiments and putting it on record.”
Conclusion
The Opposition’s decision to initiate a no-confidence motion against Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar marks a critical moment in Indian politics. As the political landscape continues to evolve, this move underscores the growing tensions within Parliament and the deepening divide between the ruling party and the Opposition. While the outcome remains uncertain, the move is a clear signal of the Opposition’s determination to hold the Vice-President accountable and assert their right to be heard.
