Several opposition parties on Wednesday submitted a notice seeking the removal of Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar from his post as vice president, citing “partisan” behaviour and alleging that political interests are being prioritised over parliamentary rules in the Upper House.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing the media at the Constitution Club, accused Dhankhar of acting as a government spokesperson and undermining the dignity of his role.
“The Rajya Sabha chairman’s conduct has been contrary to the dignity of the post he holds. He targets opposition leaders and often praises the government,” Kharge said.
“Politics has taken precedence over rules in the Rajya Sabha and the chairman has indulged in partisan behaviour,” he alleged.
Kharge also pointed out that this is the first time since 1952 that a resolution under Article 67 of the Constitution has been initiated against a vice president. He attributed the unprecedented move to Dhankhar’s alleged bias, stating, “The notice for the Rajya Sabha chairman’s removal is not about personal grievances or political battles. We are fed up with his behaviour and partiality,” he said.
DMK leader Tiruchi Siva supported the move, accusing the BJP of attacking democratic norms in Parliament, while Trinamool Congress MP Nadimul Haque echoed Kharge’s sentiments. “We are not allowed to express ourselves in the Rajya Sabha,” Haque said.
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Kharge emphasised that the notice reflects the opposition’s frustration with Dhankhar’s “partiality” and its impact on parliamentary proceedings. “The Rajya Sabha chairman’s conduct in the House has harmed the country’s dignity,” he claimed.