Chaos in Rajya Sabha: Will Jagdeep Dhankhar survive the impeachment storm?

The political atmosphere in the Rajya Sabha reached a crescendo as opposition parties, led by the INDIA bloc, initiated an unprecedented motion to impeach the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. This move comes in the wake of what the opposition describes as partisan behavior and unparliamentary conduct towards members during sessions.

Tensions in the Rajya Sabha

The conflict intensified after an incident involving Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan and Chairman Dhankhar. During a session, Ms. Bachchan took issue with Dhankhar’s tone, which she described as “unacceptable,” demanding an apology from him for his remarks and overall demeanor. The Vice President, in response, insisted on decorum even while addressing Ms. Bachchan as a celebrity, which sparked a walkout by opposition members​.

Accusations and Defense

The opposition has accused Dhankhar of acting in a biased manner, particularly highlighting incidents where the microphone of the Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, was allegedly switched off during his attempt to speak. This act was perceived as a deliberate attempt to silence the opposition. The accusation extended to remarks made by BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, which were deemed objectionable by the opposition, adding fuel to the ongoing conflict​.

In defense, the Leader of the House, JP Nadda, and other government supporters condemned the opposition’s actions, describing them as detrimental to the parliamentary decorum and national integrity. They argued that the opposition’s actions were aligning with divisive forces against the nation.

Implications of the Impeachment Motion

This is the first time an impeachment motion has been considered against a sitting Rajya Sabha Chairman, which marks a significant moment in Indian parliamentary history. The motion, supported by signatures from a majority of the opposition MPs, reflects a deep-seated frustration with the current administration of the Rajya Sabha. However, the procedural aspects such as the timing and the potential outcome of this motion remain uncertain as the house was adjourned sine die shortly after the motion was proposed​.

The ongoing developments underscore a turbulent phase in Indian politics, characterized by heightened partisan tensions and debates over parliamentary standards and leadership ethics. The situation remains fluid, with potential long-term implications for the political landscape and governance in India.