‘Not Running Rajya Sabha, Running a Circus’: Shiv Sena UBT’s Sanjay Raut Criticizes VP Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Conduct

The ongoing parliamentary clash between the opposition INDIA bloc and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Rajya Sabha chairman, intensified on Wednesday, with leaders accusing him of “partisan” conduct.

Highlights of the Controversy

1. Sanjay Raut’s Sharp Criticism
   • Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut likened the proceedings in Rajya Sabha to a “circus” under Dhankhar’s leadership.
   • Drawing comparisons with former chairpersons Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Hamid Ansari, Raut expressed dismay, stating,“I have never seen such a terrible situation before. Our chairman Sahib enjoys… not running the Parliament but a circus.”
   • Raut accused Dhankhar of prioritizing long speeches and encouraging disruptions, which he claims undermine parliamentary decorum.
2. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s Offensive
   • Kharge accused Dhankhar of acting as a “government spokesperson” rather than a neutral arbiter.
   • He highlighted that the chairman often delivers lengthy “pravachans” (sermons) and stifles opposition voices, contributing to disruptions in the House.
   • On submitting a no-confidence motion under Article 67, Kharge remarked,“We are fed up with the chairman’s behaviour and partiality. This motion is our way of standing up for parliamentary principles.”
3. INDIA Bloc’s No-Confidence Motion
   • The INDIA bloc submitted a motion to remove Dhankhar, citing his partisan attitude.
   • The motion is unlikely to pass, as the bloc lacks a majority in Parliament.
4. NDA’s Defense of Dhankhar
   • Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the motion as “politically motivated” and accused the opposition of disrespecting the dignity of the Chair.
   • Rijiju praised Dhankhar, noting his humble background and focus on people’s welfare, and condemned the INDIA bloc for their actions.

Key Takeaways

• The INDIA bloc accuses Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar of undermining the neutrality of the Rajya Sabha chairmanship.
• The no-confidence motion signals growing tensions between the opposition and ruling NDA coalition.
• While unlikely to succeed, the motion underscores the opposition’s frustration with Dhankhar’s leadership style.

As the controversy unfolds, it highlights a broader debate on parliamentary decorum, neutrality, and the role of the Rajya Sabha chairman in balancing political interests.