Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The opposition parties under the INDIA bloc are reportedly preparing to submit a no-confidence motion against Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, news agency PTI reported. This comes after heightened tensions in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
According to sources, opposition parties, including the Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party, and AAP, have been considering this move since August but held back to provide Dhankhar with “another chance.” However, his recent conduct during parliamentary proceedings has prompted them to proceed with the resolution under Article 67(b) of the Constitution.
Article 67(b): Removal of Vice President
The proposed motion invokes Article 67(b), which outlines the process for removing the vice president. A resolution requires majority support in the Rajya Sabha, agreement from the Lok Sabha, and at least 14 days’ notice.
Parliament Adjourned Amid Disruptions
Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until Tuesday following disruptions during zero hour. Tensions escalated when BJP leader JP Nadda accused Congress of links with the Forum of Democratic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific (FDL-AP), a group he alleged had financial backing from the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and viewed Jammu and Kashmir as a “separate entity.”
Nadda further claimed ties between FDL-AP and billionaire George Soros, triggering sharp reactions from opposition members, who dismissed the allegations as a diversion tactic.
Opposition’s Criticism of Dhankhar
Opposition leaders criticized Dhankhar for allowing BJP members to raise issues he had previously dismissed under Rule 267. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called it “unfair” and accused the Rajya Sabha chairman of facilitating a “larger game plan to stall the House.”
Ramesh further alleged that the BJP’s focus on the issue was an attempt to shift attention from allegations surrounding the Adani Group, a narrative echoed by several opposition members.
Support for the Motion
With signatures already gathered, the opposition appears unified in its stance against Dhankhar. This marks a critical escalation in the rift between the INDIA bloc and the BJP-led NDA government in Parliament.
