Political Storm in Parliament: Congress Challenges VP Dhankhar, Mamata Banerjee’s Leadership Gains Traction in INDIA Bloc
This week, Parliament was rocked by intense political debates as the opposition Congress party and its allies within the INDIA bloc moved a no-confidence motion against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing him of partisan conduct as the Rajya Sabha Chairperson. Meanwhile, internal divisions within the INDIA bloc became more apparent, with increasing calls for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take on a central leadership role.
Here’s a detailed wrap-up of the week’s key political developments:
Opposition Launches No-Confidence Motion Against Jagdeep Dhankhar
In a bold move, the Congress-led INDIA bloc submitted a no-confidence motion against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. The motion, signed by 60 Members of Parliament (MPs) from several opposition parties including Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Samajwadi Party (SP), DMK, and RJD, accused Dhankhar of acting with bias during parliamentary proceedings. The opposition MPs pointed to several instances where Dhankhar allegedly interrupted their speeches and employed privilege motions to suppress dissenting voices.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, while speaking on the motion, criticized Dhankhar for behaving like a “school headmaster” and acting as a “government spokesperson.” He alleged that Dhankhar was consistently siding with the ruling BJP, undermining the opposition’s voice in the Rajya Sabha.
Despite the accusations, it is highly unlikely that the no-confidence motion will succeed. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds a comfortable majority in the Rajya Sabha, with the opposition’s 60 MPs falling significantly short of the 116 votes needed to pass the motion.
Mamata Banerjee’s Leadership Gaining Momentum in INDIA Bloc
As the opposition grapples with leadership questions, calls for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to assume a central leadership role within the INDIA bloc have gained significant momentum. This week, veteran leaders such as Sharad Pawar and Lalu Prasad Yadav voiced their support for Mamata, with Lalu Yadav declaring that Congress’ objections to her leadership “mean nothing.”
The growing demand for Mamata Banerjee’s leadership within the opposition ranks follows Congress’ recent electoral setbacks in states like Haryana and Maharashtra, which have fueled doubts about the party’s ability to lead a successful challenge to the ruling BJP. Mamata’s leadership is viewed by many as a way to strengthen the opposition’s push for the 2024 general elections.
However, Congress has remained resistant to this idea. Party MP Manickam Tagore dismissed Mamata’s aspirations as a “joke,” suggesting that the TMC leader’s central role was not aligned with Congress’ vision. Moreover, reports indicate that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has instructed party members to counter statements made by “second-rung leaders” of INDIA bloc allies advocating for Mamata’s leadership.
Mamata Banerjee’s Rise and Its Implications for the Opposition
Mamata Banerjee, who has been at the helm of the Trinamool Congress since its formation in 1998, is considered one of the most prominent opposition leaders in India. As Chief Minister of West Bengal, she has managed to retain a strong grip on power, even in the face of tough challenges from the BJP. Her success in West Bengal and her combative stance against the BJP have made her a natural candidate for leading the opposition bloc.
However, Congress’ resistance to Mamata’s leadership stems from concerns about the centralization of power within the INDIA bloc, with some fearing that Mamata’s rise could overshadow Congress’ political dominance. This tension could become a major factor in shaping the alliance’s strategy in the run-up to the 2024 elections.
Sandeep Dikshit vs Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi: A Symbolic Political Battle
In a high-profile move, Congress has nominated Sandeep Dikshit, the son of the late Sheila Dikshit, to contest the New Delhi Assembly seat in the upcoming Delhi elections. This seat, which has been held by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal since 2013, is considered a critical battleground for the 2025 Delhi elections. Kejriwal’s victory in this constituency over Sheila Dikshit was a significant political moment, as it focused largely on allegations of corruption against her government.
Sandeep Dikshit has been outspoken in his criticism of Kejriwal’s tenure as Delhi Chief Minister, particularly accusing him of failing to deliver on key promises. In his remarks, Dikshit claimed that “nobody praises Kejriwal’s ten-year tenure” and accused the AAP government of being “corrupt beyond measure.” This move signals Congress’ intention to directly challenge Kejriwal’s leadership in the national capital.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal, who faces corruption charges related to the scrapped excise policy and has spent months in jail, remains a key figure in the political landscape of Delhi. His party, AAP, has made significant inroads in state elections across India, presenting a formidable challenge to both Congress and the BJP.
Conclusion: Key Political Tensions in the Lead-Up to 2024
This week’s developments reflect the growing political tensions within the opposition ranks as they prepare for the 2024 general elections. While Congress continues to struggle with leadership challenges, the rise of Mamata Banerjee as a potential central figure in the INDIA bloc adds complexity to the opposition’s strategy. Additionally, the political face-off between Congress and AAP in Delhi adds a further layer of competition within the opposition camp.
As Parliament debates the no-confidence motion against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and opposition leaders jockey for leadership roles, it is clear that the coming months will be crucial in determining the shape of India’s political landscape heading into the 2024 elections.
Key Highlights:
- No-Confidence Motion Against Vice President Dhankhar: Congress and its allies accuse the VP of biased handling of Rajya Sabha proceedings.
- Mamata Banerjee’s Central Leadership Demand: Calls for Mamata to lead the INDIA bloc gain momentum, but Congress resists.
- Dikshit vs Kejriwal in Delhi: Congress nominates Sandeep Dikshit to challenge Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi Assembly seat.
