New Delhi, August 10: The opposition parties are considering a no-confidence resolution against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar following the tumultuous end to the Parliament session, which was adjourned sine die on August 9, earlier than the scheduled date of August 12. This move is being explored after heightened tensions between Dhankhar and the INDIA bloc, with sources indicating that they may submit a notice for a resolution to remove the Vice-President from his office. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the technical aspects of such a move, as the House is currently not in session.

According to reports, the timing of the notice is still under discussion. While the opposition lacks the numbers to successfully remove Dhankhar, the potential resolution would serve as a symbolic statement against what they describe as the chair's "blatantly and consistently partisan" behavior. The proposal reportedly has the support of 87 members, and leader of the house JP Nadda was informally informed about the opposition's intentions two days ago. Jagdeep Dhankhar vs INDIA Bloc: Opposition Considering Submitting Notice for Moving Resolution To Remove Rajya Sabha Chairman As Vice President.

Opposition parties have raised several concerns, including the repeated turning off of the Leader of Opposition’s microphone. They argue that the House should be run according to rules and convention and that personal remarks against members are unacceptable. The tension peaked on August 8, when a heated exchange between Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan and Dhankhar occurred in the Rajya Sabha. Bachchan objected to the chair's tone, stating, "We are colleagues, sir, you may be sitting on the chair." Dhankhar retorted, "You’ve earned a great reputation... I don’t want schooling." ‘Your Tone is Not Acceptable’: Jaya Bachchan and Jagdeep Dhankhar Engage in Heated Exchange, Samajwadi Party MP Demands Apology From Rajya Sabha Chairman (Watch Videos).

Following this exchange, the opposition, led by Sonia Gandhi, walked out of the Rajya Sabha, accusing Dhankhar of partisanship. In a press conference, the Congress accused the chair of not giving the opposition the importance it deserves in the Upper House.

What is the Process to Remove Vice-President?

Removing the Vice-President, who serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, is a complex process. According to Article 67(b) of the Constitution, the Vice-President can only be removed by a resolution in the Rajya Sabha, passed by a majority of its members and agreed to by the Lok Sabha. A minimum of 14 days’ notice is required before such a resolution can be moved. If the resolution is introduced, the Chairman cannot preside over the House during its consideration, although he can participate in the proceedings.

Article 67(b) of the Constitution states: “Vice-President may be removed from his office by a resolution of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) passed by a majority of all the then members of the Council and agreed to by the House of the People; but no resolution for the purpose of this clause shall be moved unless at least fourteen days’ notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution.”

Despite the opposition’s intentions, passing such a resolution appears unlikely given the current numbers in Parliament, making this move more of a political statement than a viable attempt to remove Dhankhar from office.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2024 08:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).