Historic Parliamentary Move
The opposition INDIA bloc has made parliamentary history by moving a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on December 10, 2024, alleging partisan conduct in managing the Upper House.
This marks the first such motion against a Rajya Sabha Chairman in the 72-year history of India's Parliament.
The Motion Details
The unprecedented motion alleges multiple issues:
Key Allegations
| Issue | Claim |
|---|---|
| Partisan Conduct | Favoring ruling party |
| Silencing Opposition | Cutting off speeches |
| Rule Violations | Ignoring parliamentary procedures |
| Bias | Allowing government disruptions |
| Remarks | Inappropriate comments on opposition |
Supporting Parties
- Congress - Lead petitioner
- Trinamool Congress - Co-signatory
- Samajwadi Party - Supporting
- DMK - Supporting
- RJD - Supporting
- AAP - Supporting
- JMM - Supporting
- CPI(M) - Supporting
Opposition's Arguments
INDIA bloc leaders presented their case:
"The Chairman has consistently acted in a manner that undermines the democratic functioning of the House. His conduct reflects bias towards the ruling party." — Jairam Ramesh, Congress
Specific Incidents Cited
- Adjournments during opposition speeches
- Extended time for ruling party members
- Remarks criticizing opposition leaders
- Preventing discussion on key issues
- Handling of Adani controversy debates
Government's Response
The ruling BJP has defended Dhankhar:
BJP Arguments
- Motion is diversionary tactic
- Opposition disrupting House
- Chairman acting per rules
- Political vendetta alleged
- No legitimate grounds for motion
Treasury Bench Position
- Full confidence in Chairman
- Motion will be defeated
- Opposition creating drama
- Focus should be on legislation
Constitutional Provisions
The motion is based on Article 67(b):
Legal Framework
| Provision | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Article 67(b) | Vice President removal |
| Notice | 14 days required |
| Resolution | Passed by Rajya Sabha |
| Effective Majority | Required for success |
Numbers Required
- Total Rajya Sabha strength: 245
- NDA strength: ~115
- INDIA bloc: ~85
- Others: ~30 (crucial swing votes)
Political Implications
The motion carries significant political weight:
For Opposition
- Unity display - Rare consensus on action
- Issue highlighting - Parliamentary democracy concerns
- Public messaging - Standing against bias
- Future leverage - Pressuring Chairman conduct
For Government
- Defense necessity - Protecting constitutional office
- Numbers game - Securing majority
- Narrative control - Framing opposition as obstructionist
- Precedent concerns - Future implications
Historical Context
This is unprecedented in Indian parliamentary history:
Previous Actions
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Only Lok Sabha Speaker removal motion moved |
| Never | No Rajya Sabha Chairman motion before 2024 |
The motion, even if unsuccessful, sets a new precedent in Indian democracy.
What Happens Next
The motion's fate will be decided:
Process
- 14-day notice period
- Discussion in Rajya Sabha
- Vote required
- Simple majority to succeed
Likely Outcome
Given NDA's numbers, the motion is unlikely to succeed, but it serves as a political statement and may influence the Chairman's future conduct.
Broader Democratic Questions
The episode raises important issues:
Concerns
- Role of presiding officers in democracy
- Opposition rights in Parliament
- Impartiality expectations
- Accountability mechanisms
- Parliamentary traditions
The motion, regardless of outcome, marks a significant moment in India's parliamentary democracy and the relationship between the ruling party and opposition.
