In an unprecedented move 60 Rajya Sabha MPs on December 10, took a historic step by initiating a no-confidence motion against Chairman and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
This extraordinary move underscores the escalating tensions between the Opposition and the Chair, raising critical concerns about the neutrality expected from such a high-ranking constitutional office. Dhankhar’s tenure has been further complicated by his political evolution-from his roots as a left-leaning Janata Dal activist to left-of-the Centre Congress member then Hindutva ideology of the BJP- adding layers to the perception of partisanship.
The notice filed against Dhankhar accuses him of compromising the dignity of his office by acting more as a government spokesperson than a neutral presiding officer. During the 2023 Winter Session, Dhankhar’s decision to suspend a record-breaking 146 MPs-primarily for demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on a security breach-drew sharp criticism for being excessively punitive.
Opposition leaders have pointed to frequent interruptions by the Chairman when they attempt to speak, alongside instances where Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was denied opportunities to counter alleged misinformation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president J.P. Nadda. Such actions, critics like Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal argue, undermine the democratic integrity of the Upper House and stifle its capacity for constructive debate.
The BJP dismissed the no-confidence motion as a diversionary tactic by the Congress to deflect from allegations linking the Gandhi family to financier George Soros. The party accused the Congress of defaming Dhankhar and disrespecting the Jat community. However, the crux of the issue lies in the growing perception of bias against the Opposition. Dhankhar’s dismissive remarks, including labeling Kharge’s protest in the Well of the House a “stain” on Parliament and trivializing concerns about farmer protests as “crocodile tears,” have only deepened the divide. Dhankhar’s contentious approach is not new.
As Governor of West Bengal, his tenure was marked by frequent clashes with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over governance issues, including corruption allegations and bureaucratic appointments. The acrimony reached a peak when the state government removed the Governor as the chancellor of state universities in 2022, reflecting the level of mistrust his actions inspired.
This pattern of discord raises pressing concerns about the impartiality required of constitutional officeholders. The role of the Rajya Sabha Chair is not limited to administration but involves fostering meaningful dialogue between the government and the Opposition. Dhankhar’s perceived partisanship jeopardizes this critical function, threatening the democratic foundation of parliamentary proceedings. India’s broader political landscape further amplifies the urgency of this issue.
Increasingly, dissenting voices are labeled anti-national, and institutions face targeted scrutiny. A lack of constructive engagement between the ruling BJP and the Opposition risks reducing Parliament to a battleground for hostility rather than a platform for substantive debate. To preserve the integrity of parliamentary democracy, the Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman must exemplify neutrality. He must prioritize impartiality, mediate conflicts, and ensure inclusivity in parliamentary proceedings to honour the chair. He should be reminded that Parliament is to serve democratic values and unity in order to preserve India’s democratic ethos. Without this, the institution risks losing its stature as the cornerstone of the nation’s democracy.