NEW DELHI: The Monsoon session of Parliament witnessed sharp protests after Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh on Thursday rejected nearly 30 adjournment notices submitted by Opposition MPs, including those seeking a discussion on the sudden resignation of vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The rejection comes amid rising political tension and speculation over Dhankhar's exit, which several opposition leaders claim may have been influenced by internal pressure from the ruling dispensation. Dhankhar stepped down from his post on Monday citing health reasons. His resignation was officially communicated to the Upper House the next day.
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned just 15 minutes after proceedings began, as Opposition members protested, demanding the withdrawal of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in Bihar.
The House is set to meet on Friday at 11 am.
Opposition seeks answers over VP's resignation
Indian Union Muslim League MP Abdul Wahab had submitted a notice under Rule 267 demanding a debate on what he described as the "unexpected resignation" of the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Multiple Congress MPs joined in, questioning the timing and reasons behind Dhankhar's departure.
On July 23, Congress chief and leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said, "The government should answer why he resigned. I can see 'dal mein kuch kaala hai.' His health is fine. He used to defend RSS and BJP always. Who and what is behind his resignation should be known to the country."
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee went a step further, alleging that Dhankhar was "forced" to resign by the Prime Minister and senior Cabinet members. "He was threatened that if he didn't resign before 9 pm on that day, an impeachment motion would be brought against him," Banerjee claimed.
Government maintains silence; PIB denies sealing rumours
Amidst the flurry of political allegations, rumours also swirled on social media that Dhankhar's official residence had been sealed and his social media team dismissed. These claims were firmly denied by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
In a post on X, the PIB's fact-check unit clarified: "It is being widely claimed on social media that Vice President's official residence has been sealed and former VP has been asked to vacate his residence immediately. These claims are Fake. Don't fall for misinformation. Always verify news from official sources before sharing it."
Congress leader Udit Raj welcomed the clarification and said, "Now, PIB has clarified the matter, and it is confirmed that his house has not been sealed, nor has the social media team been ousted. This clears up the confusion."
Revanth Reddy backs Bandaru Dattatraya for VP
Speculation over the next vice president has begun. Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy suggested that Bandaru Dattatraya, the former Haryana governor, should be considered.
"If Modi ji writes to me, I would definitely go to him and say that he is from Telangana and he is a decent man. I will try my best to help him," Reddy said. He added that the final decision lies with the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
Reddy also claimed that Telugu-speaking leaders have historically been sidelined. "Vice President of India should be from Telangana. Last time, there were discussions that Venkaiah Naidu would be made the President, but there was injustice, and he was sent back from Delhi," he remarked.
BJP pushes for Operation Sindoor debate
While the controversy over Dhankhar's resignation continues, the BJP is preparing to lead a major discussion in Parliament on "Operation Sindoor", a military operation that reportedly lasted 88 hours and targeted Pakistani airfields.
BJP MP Shashank Mani welcomed the discussion, saying, "This was a very critical project in which we demolished the ambitions of Pakistan. PM Modi's message against terrorism is echoing throughout the world. We went to war for 88 hours, and a discussion is a must."
The Lok Sabha has allocated 16 hours for the debate, which will begin on July 28. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part after his return from foreign visits to the UK and Maldives. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will reply to the debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the discussion is scheduled for July 29. Sources say that while the government accepted the Opposition's request for farewell speeches for seven retiring MPs, it refused to allow a similar speech from Dhankhar.
Rahul Gandhi questions PM
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticised PM Modi for not addressing earlier ceasefire claims made by former US President Donald Trump.
"How can the Prime Minister give a statement? Kya bolenge PM, ki Trump ne karwaya hai? He can't say it, but it is the truth. The entire world knows that Trump has announced a ceasefire. We can't hide from reality," he told reporters.
EC begins VP election preparations
Following Dhankhar's resignation, the Election Commission has initiated steps to elect a new Vice President. The Electoral College comprises members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. As per protocol, if the position becomes vacant due to resignation or any other reason, elections must be held as soon as possible.
The EC is finalising the Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officers, and background materials related to past vice-presidential elections.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, in his resignation letter, said he was stepping down "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice". He thanked the President and Prime Minister for their support and cooperation during his tenure.
The rejection comes amid rising political tension and speculation over Dhankhar's exit, which several opposition leaders claim may have been influenced by internal pressure from the ruling dispensation. Dhankhar stepped down from his post on Monday citing health reasons. His resignation was officially communicated to the Upper House the next day.
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned just 15 minutes after proceedings began, as Opposition members protested, demanding the withdrawal of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in Bihar.
The House is set to meet on Friday at 11 am.
Opposition seeks answers over VP's resignation
Indian Union Muslim League MP Abdul Wahab had submitted a notice under Rule 267 demanding a debate on what he described as the "unexpected resignation" of the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Multiple Congress MPs joined in, questioning the timing and reasons behind Dhankhar's departure.
On July 23, Congress chief and leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said, "The government should answer why he resigned. I can see 'dal mein kuch kaala hai.' His health is fine. He used to defend RSS and BJP always. Who and what is behind his resignation should be known to the country."
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee went a step further, alleging that Dhankhar was "forced" to resign by the Prime Minister and senior Cabinet members. "He was threatened that if he didn't resign before 9 pm on that day, an impeachment motion would be brought against him," Banerjee claimed.
Government maintains silence; PIB denies sealing rumours
Amidst the flurry of political allegations, rumours also swirled on social media that Dhankhar's official residence had been sealed and his social media team dismissed. These claims were firmly denied by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
In a post on X, the PIB's fact-check unit clarified: "It is being widely claimed on social media that Vice President's official residence has been sealed and former VP has been asked to vacate his residence immediately. These claims are Fake. Don't fall for misinformation. Always verify news from official sources before sharing it."
Congress leader Udit Raj welcomed the clarification and said, "Now, PIB has clarified the matter, and it is confirmed that his house has not been sealed, nor has the social media team been ousted. This clears up the confusion."
Revanth Reddy backs Bandaru Dattatraya for VP
Speculation over the next vice president has begun. Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy suggested that Bandaru Dattatraya, the former Haryana governor, should be considered.
"If Modi ji writes to me, I would definitely go to him and say that he is from Telangana and he is a decent man. I will try my best to help him," Reddy said. He added that the final decision lies with the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
Reddy also claimed that Telugu-speaking leaders have historically been sidelined. "Vice President of India should be from Telangana. Last time, there were discussions that Venkaiah Naidu would be made the President, but there was injustice, and he was sent back from Delhi," he remarked.
BJP pushes for Operation Sindoor debate
While the controversy over Dhankhar's resignation continues, the BJP is preparing to lead a major discussion in Parliament on "Operation Sindoor", a military operation that reportedly lasted 88 hours and targeted Pakistani airfields.
BJP MP Shashank Mani welcomed the discussion, saying, "This was a very critical project in which we demolished the ambitions of Pakistan. PM Modi's message against terrorism is echoing throughout the world. We went to war for 88 hours, and a discussion is a must."
The Lok Sabha has allocated 16 hours for the debate, which will begin on July 28. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part after his return from foreign visits to the UK and Maldives. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will reply to the debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the discussion is scheduled for July 29. Sources say that while the government accepted the Opposition's request for farewell speeches for seven retiring MPs, it refused to allow a similar speech from Dhankhar.
Rahul Gandhi questions PM
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticised PM Modi for not addressing earlier ceasefire claims made by former US President Donald Trump.
"How can the Prime Minister give a statement? Kya bolenge PM, ki Trump ne karwaya hai? He can't say it, but it is the truth. The entire world knows that Trump has announced a ceasefire. We can't hide from reality," he told reporters.
EC begins VP election preparations
Following Dhankhar's resignation, the Election Commission has initiated steps to elect a new Vice President. The Electoral College comprises members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. As per protocol, if the position becomes vacant due to resignation or any other reason, elections must be held as soon as possible.
The EC is finalising the Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officers, and background materials related to past vice-presidential elections.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, in his resignation letter, said he was stepping down "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice". He thanked the President and Prime Minister for their support and cooperation during his tenure.
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