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In a significant political development, members of the opposition alliance, INDIA bloc, have moved a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh announced this move on Tuesday, citing concerns over the alleged partisan conduct of the Chairman during the proceedings of the council of states.

A Step to Safeguard Institutional Integrity

The motion, submitted collectively by various parties within the INDIA bloc, is described as a step to protect the institution of the Rajya Sabha rather than targeting an individual. Speaking on the matter, an opposition leader emphasized that this was not a personal protest but a bid to uphold the sanctity and impartiality of the institution.

“We aim to send a clear message that the concerns raised by the opposition are about preserving the integrity of the institution, not about any specific individual,” stated the leader, who preferred to remain anonymous.

Allegations of Partisan Conduct

According to Jairam Ramesh, the decision to file the motion was driven by Dhankhar’s handling of parliamentary proceedings, which the opposition alleges has been biased. “All parties in the INDIA group had no alternative but to formally submit this motion, given the partisan manner in which the Hon’ble Chairman has conducted the council's business,” Ramesh posted on social media platform X.

Another leader highlighted the Chairman’s decisions to disallow opposition members from raising critical issues as a recurring concern. This perceived lack of fair representation in parliamentary debates has spurred the bloc to act.

Who Signed the Motion?

Several prominent leaders from opposition parties have signed the no-confidence motion. These include Nadimul Haque and Sagarika Ghosh from the Trinamool Congress, Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party, and Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (UBT).

Interestingly, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which has seven MPs in the Rajya Sabha, has not yet decided its stance on the motion. Speaking to reporters, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik stated, “We are still examining the motion. A decision will be taken based on what we consider necessary.” Notably, the BJD supported Dhankhar’s candidature during the Vice Presidential elections in 2022.

Political Ramifications

The submission of the no-confidence motion underscores the growing friction between the opposition and the ruling establishment. While it remains uncertain how the motion will proceed, it has spotlighted the INDIA bloc’s attempts to consolidate its stance against perceived governmental overreach and lack of impartiality within parliamentary proceedings.

This action also highlights the evolving dynamics within opposition politics, as parties strive to address broader institutional concerns while navigating individual alliances and agendas.

The Road Ahead