Rijiju defends Dhankhar, condemns no-confidence motion

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly criticized the Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday. He emphasized the NDA government’s clear majority in the House and dismissed the motion as baseless.

The INDIA bloc’s motion, signed by 60 MPs, accused Dhankhar of “extreme partisanship.” Rijiju condemned the move, highlighting Dhankhar’s background as the first Vice President from the Jat community and his humble farmer roots. “Jagdeep Dhankhar has always worked for the welfare of farmers and the poor, both inside and outside the House,” Rijiju stated.

He also praised Dhankhar’s leadership and the trust he commands within the NDA. “The majority stands firmly behind the Vice President. His guidance ensures smooth functioning of the House,” he said. Rijiju urged respect for the Chair, criticizing the Congress and its allies for repeatedly undermining parliamentary rules.

Earlier, the INDIA bloc submitted the motion to Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody, accusing Dhankhar of partisan behavior. Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Naseer Hussain led the effort. The motion, unprecedented in Rajya Sabha’s history, requires a 14-day notice and the Deputy Chairman’s approval before consideration.

Despite their move, the Opposition lacks the numbers to pass the motion in the 243-member House. They aim to signal their commitment to parliamentary democracy. Rijiju dismissed their claims, reaffirming the NDA’s strong majority and respect for the Vice President.

This debate underscores growing tensions between the ruling alliance and the Opposition in Parliament.