The Rajya Sabha witnessed high-voltage drama on Friday as a no-confidence motion against Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar led to heated exchanges between ruling and opposition parties. The motion, initiated by the opposition INDIA bloc, accused Dhankhar of partisan conduct, igniting a fiery debate and forcing the session to adjourn until December 16.
Watch | Chairman #JagdeepDhankhar says, "I am a farmer's son, I will not show weakness"
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) December 13, 2024
Rajya Sabha LoP #MallikarjunKharge responds saying, "I am also a son of farmer. I have faced more challenges than you."#RajyaSabha is adjourned for the day amid the ruckus
Track LIVE… pic.twitter.com/ebidS1Fk7h
Opposition’s No-Confidence Motion
The INDIA bloc, comprising major opposition parties, submitted a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar earlier this week, alleging biased behavior. During Friday’s session, opposition leaders argued that the Chairman’s actions undermined the Rajya Sabha’s impartiality and constitutional ethos. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge spearheaded the opposition’s arguments, accusing Dhankhar of unequal allocation of speaking time and encouraging ruling party members to target the opposition.
Dhankhar Responds with Defiance
In a striking rebuttal, Dhankhar defended his position, emphasizing his commitment to fairness and national service. Addressing the opposition’s criticism, he stated, “I am a farmer’s son, and I will not show weakness. I have tolerated a lot, but I will always stand for the Constitution.” Dhankhar further accused the opposition of resorting to personal insults, suggesting that their grievances were politically motivated.
Kharge Fires Back
Responding to Dhankhar’s remarks, Kharge declared, “I am also a farmer’s son and have faced greater challenges. Your actions are insulting not just our party but also the principles of democracy.” The Congress leader criticized Dhankhar for allegedly favoring the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the House, further escalating tensions.
Call for Unity Amid Chaos
Amid the uproar, Dhankhar attempted to broker peace by inviting Kharge and BJP leader JP Nadda to his chambers for discussions. However, the impasse remained unresolved, prompting the session’s adjournment. INDIA bloc leaders later held a press conference, asserting that the no-confidence motion was necessary to “safeguard democracy and the Constitution.”
Context of the Winter Session
The ongoing winter session of Parliament, which began on November 25, has been marred by frequent disruptions. Both Houses have faced multiple adjournments as opposition parties raise concerns over governance, policy decisions, and alleged executive overreach. The session is scheduled to continue until December 20, with the no-confidence motion expected to dominate discussions.
Broader Implications
This confrontation reflects the deepening divide between the ruling coalition and the opposition, with critical issues like constitutional propriety and parliamentary decorum at the forefront. Analysts suggest that the motion and its fallout could have significant political ramifications as parties position themselves ahead of the 2024 general elections.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
