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Opposition tables no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha chair

This has forced the opposition to move a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chair Jagdeep Dhankhar, whom it dubbed the “biggest disruptor” of the Upper House. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said this on Wednesday while declaring, “His actions have hurt the dignity of India.” He said the motion is not because of any personal animosity towards the Chairman.

Kharge said, “We have no other option. A notice has been moved, and opposition is united on this key issue. It is unfortunate that the Chairman has not given time or space for three years on vital issues.

He expressed disappointment, pointing out that while the opposition seeks protection from the Chair, there have been instances where Dhankhar gestures to ruling party MPs to speak, undermining the opposition’s voice. “Who will listen to us when the Chair himself defends the government?” Kharge questioned.

Making sharp comments, he accused the Chair of trying to insult the opposition leaders and behaving like a headmaster. “The Chair is functioning as the spokesperson of the government. the biggest disruptor of the Rajya Sabha is the Chairperson,” he added. But he clarified that the notice is not about personal grievance or political rivalry.

Kharge’s remarks came a day after the Congress-led opposition moved a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar, accusing him of partisan functioning as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The move saw an immediate backlash with both Houses being adjourned repeatedly.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju came to Dhankhar’s defence saying, “The NDA has the majority in Rajya Sabha. The notice must be rejected, and it will be rejected.” He accused the Congress of repeatedly disrespecting the Chair.

Tensions flared this week after an altercation over allegations linking Sonia Gandhi to businessman George Soros. BJP leader JP Nadda charged that Gandhi collaborated with a think tank partly financed by Soros’ foundation and therefore, it was a serious question of national security. Kharge responded to the accusations, saying Congress had an undying commitment to India’s democratic values and accused such charges of diverting attention away from core national issues.

The opposition had also protested the way the Chair had handled the situation and alleged that BJP MPs were allowed to speak on Gandhi and Soros while the Chair refused to allow opposition MPs to raise other pressing issues such as ethnic violence in Manipur and the protests staged by farmers.

Later, both Nadda and Kharge were called to meet Dhankhar in his chamber. The no-confidence motion was moved soon after. The motion, though tabled, is unlikely to be passed given the opposition does not have the numbers for it, besides the requirement of a 14-day notice for voting. The current session of Parliament is scheduled to end on December 20, just nine days from now.

Source
NDTV

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