REMOVAL OF RAJYA SABHA CHAIRMAN: POLITY

REMOVAL OF RAJYA SABHA CHAIRMAN: POLITY

NEWS: Opposition to move notice to remove Vice-President Dhankhar

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Opposition parties in the INDIA bloc have moved to remove Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar under Article 67(b), citing bias after his refusal to let Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge speak. The motion highlights concerns over the Chairman’s alleged favoritism towards treasury benches and misuse of parliamentary provisions.

Opposition's Move to Remove Rajya Sabha Chairman

Context of the Move

  1. Decision by Opposition Parties:
    • The INDIA bloc has decided to move a resolution for the removal of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
    • The notice will be submitted under Article 67(b) of the Constitution.
    • Over 50 MPs from Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party, and Left parties have signed the notice.
  1. Triggering Incident:
    • The decision followed Mr. Dhankhar’s refusal to allow Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition, to speak after J.P. Nadda’s remarks accusing the Congress of working with George Soros to destabilize the country.
  1. Opposition's Criticism:
    • The Opposition viewed the Chairman’s actions as biased and undemocratic.
    • Digvijaya Singh, senior Congress leader, criticized Mr. Dhankhar, stating he had never seen such a biased Chairman in his political career.

Key Constitutional Provision: Article 67(b)

  1. Removal of Vice-President (Rajya Sabha Chairman):
    • The Vice-President, also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, can be removed through a resolution passed by a majority of all members of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha.
    • Requires a minimum notice of 14 days before moving the resolution.
  1. Parliamentary Numbers:
    • Total Rajya Sabha members: 245.
    • NDA holds 108 seats, INDIA bloc has 82 seats.
    • Support from parties like AIADMK, YSRCP, and BJD often aligns with the government, affecting the resolution's viability.

Key Opposition Allegations

  1. Adjournment Motion Misuse:
    • Opposition members argued that the Chairman allowed BJP members to use Rule 267 (adjournment motion), a provision typically available to the Opposition.
    • Criticized the Chair’s rejection of the Opposition’s adjournment motion on the same matter.
  1. Biased Actions:
    • Alleged that the Chair allowed treasury benches ample speaking opportunities while silencing the Opposition.
  1. Soros Allegations:
    • Mr. Dhankhar permitted BJP’s J.P. Nadda to link the Congress to George Soros-funded activities, claiming these were attempts to destabilize the nation.
    • The Opposition questioned the propriety of such remarks in the House.

Statements by Jagdeep Dhankhar

  1. Deep State Allegations:
    • Mr. Dhankhar stated that sinister forces inimical to India must be neutralized.
    • Urged MPs to reflect the sentiments of the people in countering such threats.
  1. Support for BJP’s Stance:
    • Allowed J.P. Nadda to accuse the Congress of connections with the Forum of Democratic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific (FDL-AP), funded by George Soros.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-bloc-moves-resolution-to-remove-vice-president-jagdeep-dhankhar-from-office/article68965363.ece