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The resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice-President of India has sent ripples through the political landscape, prompting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to initiate a search for his successor. The unexpected departure has triggered concerns within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regarding the selection of an individual capable of effectively managing the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Sources within the NDA suggest that the next nominee is likely to be a prominent BJP leader, preferably someone from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inner circle, possessing the requisite political skills and experience to navigate the complexities of parliamentary procedure. The choice of the next Vice-President is not merely a procedural matter; it carries significant implications for the smooth functioning of the government and its ability to enact its legislative agenda. The Vice-President, as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, plays a crucial role in maintaining order and decorum in the House, ensuring that debates are conducted in a fair and impartial manner, and facilitating consensus-building among different political parties. The person holding this position needs to be not only well-versed in parliamentary rules and procedures but also possess the ability to command respect from all sides of the political spectrum. The article highlights that Mr. Dhankhar, before assuming the office of Vice-President, had served as the Governor of West Bengal and had previously been associated with the Janata Dal and the Congress party. However, according to senior BJP leaders, the current search for a successor is primarily focused on identifying candidates from within the BJP, particularly those with experience as governors. This suggests a desire within the BJP to consolidate its control over key constitutional positions and ensure that the individual holding the office of Vice-President is fully aligned with the party's ideology and objectives. The NDA partners have reportedly been informed informally that the replacement for Mr. Dhankhar is likely to be a BJP leader, further indicating the party's determination to assert its dominance in this process. The selection of the next Vice-President will undoubtedly be a closely watched affair, with various political observers and analysts speculating about the potential candidates and the factors that will influence the final decision. Prime Minister Modi's return from his visit to the UK and the Maldives, scheduled for July 26th, is expected to mark the beginning of a more formal process of shortlisting and evaluating potential candidates. The BJP leadership is likely to engage in extensive consultations with its NDA partners to arrive at a consensus candidate who is acceptable to all members of the coalition.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Mr. Dhankhar's resignation are reports of simmering tensions between him and the central government. These tensions reportedly stemmed from Mr. Dhankhar's public remarks on the judiciary and other institutions, which government managers felt were avoidable and counterproductive. The government was particularly concerned that these remarks could undermine its efforts to move beyond the confrontational legacy of the National Judicial Appointments Committee (NJAC) Bill. The NJAC Bill, which sought to change the way judges are appointed in India, had been struck down by the Supreme Court, leading to a period of strained relations between the judiciary and the executive branch. The government was keen to avoid any further escalation of these tensions and felt that Mr. Dhankhar's public pronouncements were not helping the situation. Furthermore, the article suggests that the government felt that Mr. Dhankhar could have been more tactful in handling issues in the Rajya Sabha while still ensuring that the government had its say. This implies that there may have been disagreements between Mr. Dhankhar and the government over the handling of certain legislative matters or the management of debates in the Upper House. The role of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is a delicate balancing act, requiring the ability to maintain order and decorum while also ensuring that the government has the opportunity to present its views and push its legislative agenda. It appears that the government felt that Mr. Dhankhar's approach to this role was not always aligned with its interests. The article also mentions that Mr. Dhankhar was reportedly aggrieved by the government's lack of visible support when an Opposition-sponsored motion of impeachment was moved against him. This motion, which was unprecedented for a presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha, was eventually dismissed by Deputy Chairperson Harivansh. However, the fact that no senior Union Minister publicly defended Mr. Dhankhar reportedly left him disappointed. This incident highlights the potential for conflicts and misunderstandings to arise between the Vice-President and the government, particularly when the Vice-President is facing criticism or opposition from other political parties. The government's perceived lack of support in this instance may have contributed to the tensions between Mr. Dhankhar and the central government.
The Election Commission of India has already begun preparations for the election of the next Vice-President, indicating the urgency with which the matter is being addressed. The government is hopeful that a new appointment will help bring closure to what it views as a dramatic chapter for the post. The election of the Vice-President is conducted through an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament. Given the NDA's majority in both Houses, its candidate is likely to be elected without much difficulty. However, the selection of the candidate is still a crucial decision, as it will have a significant impact on the functioning of the Rajya Sabha and the overall political landscape. The new Vice-President will be expected to uphold the Constitution, maintain impartiality, and ensure that the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha are conducted in a fair and efficient manner. The article suggests that the government is looking for someone who is not only capable of managing the Rajya Sabha but also aligned with its political objectives and willing to work in close coordination with the executive branch. This raises questions about the balance between the Vice-President's role as an impartial presiding officer and his or her potential loyalty to the ruling party. It is important for the Vice-President to maintain a degree of independence and to be seen as acting in the best interests of the country, rather than simply being a rubber stamp for the government's agenda. The appointment of the next Vice-President will be a test of the government's ability to find someone who can strike this balance and who is respected by all sides of the political spectrum. The outcome of this process will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of Indian politics. The selection process requires the wisdom of the ruling party. The new Vice President's actions will be highly scrutinized.
The intricacies of Indian politics are once again on full display with the sudden vacancy in the Vice-Presidency. The political maneuvering, the internal party dynamics, and the external pressures all coalesce to create a situation ripe for both opportunity and potential pitfalls. The BJP's search is not merely a hunt for a qualified individual; it is a strategic chess move with far-reaching implications for the balance of power in the Rajya Sabha and the overall functioning of the government. The emphasis on a BJP insider, particularly one close to Prime Minister Modi, underscores the party's desire to consolidate its control and ensure that key constitutional positions are held by individuals aligned with its ideology. However, this approach carries the risk of alienating NDA partners and further fueling the perception of the BJP as an increasingly dominant force in Indian politics. The need for political acumen in managing the Rajya Sabha is paramount. The Upper House is often a battleground for political ideologies, and the Chairman must possess the skill to navigate complex debates, maintain order, and facilitate consensus-building. A misstep in this role can have serious consequences for the government's ability to enact legislation and maintain its political agenda. The reported tensions between Dhankhar and the central government provide a cautionary tale. The Vice-President's role is not simply to be a loyal supporter of the ruling party; it is to uphold the Constitution and ensure the fair and impartial conduct of parliamentary proceedings. Any perception of bias or undue influence can undermine the credibility of the position and erode public trust. The government's hope that a new appointment will bring closure to this "dramatic chapter" reflects a desire for stability and predictability. However, the selection process itself is likely to be fraught with challenges, as various factions within the BJP and the broader NDA jockey for influence. The ultimate choice will reveal much about the priorities of the ruling party and its vision for the future of Indian politics. The election preparation by the Election Commission shows the government has no time to waste on trivial details.
Source: Dhankhar resignation: BJP begins search for next Vice-President, party insider could make the cut