Mallikarjun Kharge Slams Jagdeep Dhankhar: Accuses RS Chairman of Partisan Conduct
New Delhi, Dec 11: In a sharp attack on Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused him of indulging in “partisan conduct” that undermines the dignity of the office. The remarks came after the opposition, led by the Congress, moved a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar on Tuesday, alleging that he had repeatedly targeted opposition leaders while offering undue praise to the ruling government.
Kharge’s comments reflect growing concerns within the opposition, particularly the Congress-led I.N.D.I.A. bloc, over Dhankhar’s role in the functioning of the Upper House of Parliament. According to Kharge, this is the first time since 1952 that a motion has been moved against the Vice President of India, who also serves as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Kharge Criticizes Dhankhar’s “School Headmaster” Approach
Mallikarjun Kharge did not mince words in his criticism of Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing the Rajya Sabha Chairman of acting as a “school headmaster” rather than a neutral constitutional authority. “The Chairman has indulged in partisan behaviour. His conduct is contrary to the post’s dignity. He targets opposition leaders and often praises the government of the day,” Kharge said in his address.
Kharge went on to add that Dhankhar had crossed the line by repeatedly interrupting opposition members during their speeches, thus curbing their freedom of expression in the Upper House. The Congress chief pointed out that the Rajya Sabha, which is supposed to serve as a forum for deliberation and discussion, had instead seen increasing instances of the Chairman using his powers to stifle dissent from opposition members.
No-Confidence Motion Against Rajya Sabha Chairman
The Congress-led I.N.D.I.A. bloc, which includes various opposition parties, brought forth the no-confidence motion against Jagdeep Dhankhar on December 10. The motion highlighted several actions taken by Dhankhar that were perceived as biased and anti-opposition. It was noted that his behavior was not in line with the neutral role expected of a Rajya Sabha Chairman, a position that holds significant constitutional responsibility.
The motion condemned Dhankhar for his “unfair use” of privilege motions to silence opposition leaders and for delegitimizing dissent in the most disparaging manner. “As Chairperson, the manner in which Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar conducts parliamentary affairs of the Rajya Sabha is extremely partisan. He has repeatedly interrupted members of the opposition while they are speaking, unfairly used privilege motions, and openly disparaged the opposition,” read the motion.
The Growing Rift Between the Opposition and the Rajya Sabha Chairman
The opposition’s accusations against Jagdeep Dhankhar are not new. Over the past few months, there have been numerous reports of opposition leaders expressing frustration with Dhankhar’s leadership of the Rajya Sabha. The most frequent complaint is that he has consistently shown favoritism towards the government, which has only deepened the sense of alienation among opposition parties.
One of the key criticisms of Dhankhar’s tenure is his perceived failure to maintain the neutrality expected of his office. While the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is constitutionally required to be impartial and ensure that all members of the house, regardless of their political affiliation, have an equal opportunity to speak, opposition leaders claim that Dhankhar’s actions have tilted the scales in favor of the ruling BJP government.
Constitutional Implications of the Motion
The no-confidence motion against the Vice President of India — an office traditionally regarded with great reverence and neutrality — is a significant step in the ongoing battle between the opposition and the government. Since 1952, no such motion has been brought against a sitting Vice President, underlining the gravity of the current political climate.
Kharge and other opposition leaders have argued that Dhankhar’s actions are a direct violation of the constitutional principles that ensure the Rajya Sabha operates as a space for robust debate and democratic discourse. The motion, they claim, is not just an attack on Dhankhar’s leadership but also a defense of the constitutional integrity of the Rajya Sabha.
Responses and Future of the Motion
While the motion has brought the issue of impartiality in the Rajya Sabha to the forefront, its fate remains uncertain. The ruling BJP, which has a majority in the Rajya Sabha, is likely to defend Dhankhar’s conduct, arguing that he has done nothing wrong and has merely carried out his responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution.
However, the opposition is determined to continue pushing for accountability, with Kharge and other senior leaders from the I.N.D.I.A. alliance vowing to take the fight to the political and legal arenas. For them, this issue is not just about one individual but about ensuring that the spirit of democracy and the sanctity of the Upper House are upheld.
The Road Ahead for the I.N.D.I.A. Bloc
As the no-confidence motion against Jagdeep Dhankhar moves through Parliament, the opposition bloc — particularly Congress — faces a significant challenge in galvanizing public support. The issue of Dhankhar’s alleged bias has become emblematic of the larger battle between the ruling BJP and the opposition parties ahead of the 2024 general elections.
For the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, which aims to present a unified opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, this is a test of their ability to challenge the government not only on policy matters but on institutional integrity as well.
Conclusion
The clash between Mallikarjun Kharge and Jagdeep Dhankhar over the leadership of Rajya Sabha marks a critical moment in India’s parliamentary politics. As the no-confidence motion moves forward, it highlights the growing tensions between the ruling government and the opposition, particularly over issues of impartiality, democratic freedoms, and the role of constitutional bodies in safeguarding India’s democratic framework.
Whether the motion succeeds or not, the issue of impartiality in parliamentary procedures is now firmly on the political agenda, shaping the discourse as India heads toward the crucial 2024 elections.