The INDI Alliance has submitted a notice to remove Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar from his post. This is the first time in India’s history that a notice has been moved to impeach the Vice-President. Yet it is not the first time Jagdeep Dhankhar and the opposition have locked horns.
Last week, the opposition raised the issue of farmers protests. But Chairman Dhankhar dismissed the demand and even called their concerns ‘crocodile tears’. This led a section of opposition leaders to walk out.
In August 2024, there was a huge uproar over wrestler Vinesh Phogat getting disqualified from the final of the Paris Olympics in the Parliament. When the opposition brought up the matter, they were slammed by Dhankhar. He called the opposition out for ‘politicising and monetising’ the matter stating how it would be a great disrespect to her.
In the same month, the Vice President kept addressing Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan as Jaya Amitabh Bachchan. Bachchan even accused Dhankhar of turning off the mic when the Leader of Opposition spoke. Dhankhar had told the MP he did not care if she was a celebrity, she had to respect decorum. The opposition had staged a walkout after this.
In August 2023, the opposition had demanded Prime Minister’s presence to seek a statement about the violence in Manipur. The Rajya Sabha chair had refused to direct the PM to be present as it was his choice just like any other MP.
As West Bengal governor as well, Vice president Dhankhar had been at odds with Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee. Her government had claimed he was sitting on important bills. He had also attacked Banerjee for the law and order situation in the state and lapses in bureaucracy.
The opposition’s move to impeach Dhankhar has, no doubt, widened the divide in the parliament.
Will Dhankhar be removed as Rajya Sabha chairman?
This appears highly unlikely. Here is why.
The procedure for impeachment of the Rajya Sabha chair, who also serves as the Vice President of India is stated in articles 67(b), 92 and 100 of the constitution.
According to Article 67(b), a resolution cannot be moved unless a 14-day notice has been provided. So now, it can only be tabled after fourteen days.
After being tabled, the motion requires the majority of more than half of the Rajya Sabha. This is not all. It also requires the support of the Lok Sabha.
The Lok Sabha must pass the resolution with a simple majority of members present and voting.
While this process is ongoing, the Vice President continues his duties.
At present, the BJP and its allies have around 125 out of 245 seats in the upper house. The opposition is supported by 112 MPs. So the numbers are stacked against the INDI Alliance.
But if the motion gets passed, the ruling NDA has 293 seats, in comparison to the Opposition’s 238 seats in the Lok Sabha.
What is the Opposition up in the arms against Vice President Dhankhar?
Opposition parties have accused Dhankhar of interrupting Rajya Sabha’s Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. They claim they have been denied of adequate debate on critical issues.
They have also alleged that the Rajya Sabha Chair has made personal comments against the members. Dhankhar has also been accused of having a bias against opposition and showing favouritism for the ruling party.
So how will the drama in the parliament unfurl? We may know the answer over the next few weeks.
