Opposition Prepares To Challenge Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankhar With Impeachment Resolution, TMC And SP Align With Congress

Tensions between the Opposition and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, are escalating, with the INDI Alliance preparing to submit a notice for his impeachment under Article 67(b) of the Constitution.

Despite lacking the numbers needed for his removal, the Opposition views this move as a political statement, intending to "fight to save Parliamentary democracy," as stated by a senior Opposition leader.

Under Article 67(b), a Vice-President can be removed through a resolution in the Council of States, passed by a majority and agreed upon by the House of the People, with at least 14 days' notice. The Winter Session ends on 20 December, leaving limited time for action.

Leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Samajwadi Party (SP), who previously abstained from Congress-led protests over the Adani issue, have now signed the notice. This marks the second such attempt by the Opposition this year.

"This government is murdering Parliament," said Sagarika Ghose, TMC’s Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. "They are scared because they do not have the answers to issues affecting common people. The BJP and the government are misusing high constitutional offices and making them subservient to executive power. At stake is the integrity of our parliamentary democracy itself and the solemn constitutional rights of every representative of the people.”

The INDI Alliance, comprising 103 Rajya Sabha members, including independent MP Kapil Sibal, accuses Dhankhar of bias. Opposition frustrations have grown over his alleged preferential treatment of ruling party members. A recent incident involved Dhankhar naming Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi in connection with purported currency recovery, which further provoked the Congress.

The Chair's decision to permit discussions on alleged Congress ties to a George Soros-funded forum also stirred controversy. Opposition leaders claim they have secured signatures from all INDI Alliance members to submit the notice.

While no Vice-President has faced impeachment, the Opposition previously initiated a no-confidence resolution against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh in 2020. This stemmed from his decision to extend a session despite protests over the farm Bills. The Opposition claimed Harivansh violated parliamentary procedures and denied members their right to voice objections.

Drawing from past precedents, the INDI Alliance cites earlier resolutions brought against Lok Sabha Speakers, including G V Mavalankar in 1951, Sardar Hukam Singh in 1966, and Balram Jakhar in 1987. These resolutions were debated but ultimately dismissed.

The Opposition remains undeterred by the technicalities and lack of a majority. "A message has to go to the BJP they cannot ruin Parliament like this," said a senior leader.