The opposition is reportedly considering submitting a notice for a resolution to remove Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar from office, following escalating tensions between the Rajya Sabha chairman and the opposition’s INDIA bloc. According to sources cited by media, opposition parties had previously gathered the necessary signatures for the notice in August but chose to hold off, hoping to give Dhankhar “another chance.” However, his conduct in the House on Monday prompted them to take action.
Congress Leads the Charge with Support from Allies
The Congress party is spearheading the move, receiving backing from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and other members of the INDIA bloc. The proposed resolution invokes Article 67(b) of the Constitution, which outlines the procedure for removing the vice president. For the resolution to pass, it requires a majority vote in the Rajya Sabha, followed by agreement from the Lok Sabha, and must be preceded by at least 14 days’ notice.
Parliament Adjourned Amid Disruptions
Meanwhile, both houses of Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, have been adjourned until Tuesday following disruptions in proceedings. The adjournments came after tensions flared during zero hour, particularly over allegations made by Leader of the House JP Nadda regarding Congress leaders’ connections to the Forum of Democratic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific (FDL-AP). Nadda claimed that the FDL-AP received financial backing from the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and viewed Jammu and Kashmir as a “separate entity,” further alleging ties to billionaire philanthropist George Soros.
The allegations sparked sharp reactions from opposition members, who accused the BJP of using the issue as a diversion tactic. As BJP members pressed for a discussion on these allegations, Chairman Dhankhar sought an explanation for the protests from opposition members. Several BJP and NDA MPs argued that the matter was tied to national security and demanded immediate deliberation. However, opposition leaders challenged Dhankhar’s handling of the situation, questioning how he could allow BJP members to raise an issue he had previously dismissed by rejecting their notices under Rule 267.
“This is most unfair,” said Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. “You have rejected the notices. Yet, an issue that you disallowed is now being raised. It appears to be part of a larger game plan to stall the House.” Ramesh further accused the BJP of attempting to shift focus from ongoing allegations surrounding the Adani Group, a sentiment echoed by several Congress members.
