Tue Dec 10 10:27:38 UTC 2024: ## Opposition Moves No-Confidence Motion Against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar
**New Delhi:** In an unprecedented move, the opposition INDIA bloc in the Indian Parliament has filed a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. The motion, signed by 60 members, was submitted to the Rajya Sabha Secretary General at 1:37 PM today. The opposition alleges bias and suppression of their voices during parliamentary proceedings, citing an instance where Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was prevented from speaking while treasury bench members were allowed to continue.
The move, invoking Article 67-B of the Constitution, comes amidst ongoing deadlock in Parliament. While the motion cites instances of perceived partiality by the Chairman, prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi and several floor leaders did not sign the motion. The proposal was submitted by representatives including Jairam Ramesh and Pramod Tiwari (Congress), and Nadimul Haque and Sagarika Ghosh (TMC).
Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), described the decision to bring the no-confidence motion as “painful” but necessary to uphold parliamentary democracy. He emphasized that the opposition had no other recourse to address their concerns.
This marks the first time in India’s parliamentary history that a no-confidence motion has been filed against the Vice President, who also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced its neutrality on the motion, stating it is not a member of the INDIA bloc and the issue does not concern them.
The no-confidence motion requires a minimum of 50 signatures to be valid and must be submitted 14 days in advance. If passed by the Rajya Sabha, it must also be approved by the Lok Sabha to remove the Vice President from office.
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