Second Thoughts
Time A Great Leveller
Unprecedented “first” in the annals of seventy two year old the House of Elders of India, where Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar faces an axe under article 67 of the constitution in form of a no trust motion moved by about five a dozen MPs of the upper house questioning very seriously his integrity, objectivity and conduct while presiding over the proceedings of the elite house.
Sahir Ludhianavi an evergreen Indian poet haunts who is quite relevant in everyone’s case, worth citing here in this context : “Aadmi Ko Chahiye Waqt Se Darr Kar Rahe, Kaun Jaane Kis Gharhi Waqt Ka Badle Mijaj”(One should remain scared of time who knows when time changes its temperament).
Does not this historical “first” call upon “We the people of India…..”to ponder over quite objectively manifold questions springing up spontaneously?Why things allowed to come to this very stage that the dignity of this hi fi office comes under the cloud?
Are the over ambitious nature and bent of mind of Mr.Jagdeep Dhankar not at all responsible for this fall from grace? After rising swiftly to the second highest constitutional position of India, did he learn any lesson from the past remaining mired in too many bitter controversies as the Governor of West Bengal?Did not he deem it fit and worthwhile then to be “a butt of debate and criticism” to hog headlines ultimately to woo his masters to rise up to this coveted office of the Vice-President and ex-officio Chairman Rajya Sabha.
Did not he very easily forget that”every day is not sunday” and “excess of everything is bad” while presiding over the proceedings of Rajya Sabha pulling on with his same old stereotype mode and style of functioning as Governor to look up further to reach at the top, hence paving way for this “Hamartia” called FIRST.
Who is to blame for this, none else than Dhankar himself? Why did he overplay a partisan and biased role treating treasury and opposition players adopting different yardsticks and paradoxical measures while conducting the business of the house abusing his powers quite blatantly overlooking constitution’s spirit and Rajya Sabha norms?
The proceedings of Rajya Sabha so far under his chairmanship bear testimony to this fact that he did not follow the house rule 267 fairly and impartially as he did not accept any one of the notices served under rule 267 most of the time by the opposition members but on the contrary went to the extreme unfair extent of allowing about a dozen ministers as well as treasury bench members in toto to speak despite rejecting their notices under this rule formally on Dec.09,2024. Then he faltered too in handling Rs 50000 wad found on the seat of Congress MP and jurist Abhishek Manu Singhvi episode in non-partisan a way.
Ironically,dancing to the tunes of “the powers that be” on the one hand,he resorted to reckless device of suspending only opposition MPs on a large scale to gag their democratic voice thus lowering the quality of debates and deliberations in the house, on the other hand giving a long rope by sparing ruling party MPs liberty to speak freely, not coming up to the constitutional propriety, unmindful of the sacred oath he took in the name of constitution.
It is time indeed for Dhankar to look within deeply, not to amuse and cheer up that numbers game in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha is on his side.Democracy is not only a numbers game alone but coming up to the expectations of the people and winning their confidence also matter a lot.
No trust motion may finally succeed or not but it involves bringing the disgrace and stigma to the august office.Not only one MP but about sixty MPs in toto of the opposition parties raising their fingers and eyebrows in black and white should prick the conscience of Dhankar recalling to his mind a popular dictum:
“As you sow so shall you reap.”
“Soul-searching and looking within” a ripe time not only for Dhankar alone but for the Modi.03 NDA regime too in the best interests of nation, parliamentary and constitutional democracy ! Will virtues like fair play,transparency,
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Contributed by :
Prof PK Sharma Freelance Journalist
Associate Professor of English(Retired),
Pom Anm Nest,BARNALA(Pb.)
1 comment
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful piece. It raises significant issues regarding the integrity and conduct of the Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankar, particularly in light of the unprecedented no-confidence motion against him. The author effectively draws on historical, cultural, and constitutional references to highlight concerns about the state of democracy in India.
The use of Sahir Ludhianavi’s quote serves as a poignant reminder of the fluid nature of power and status, suggesting that no position is immune to the changes brought by time and public scrutiny. The article critiques Dhankar’s actions, urging him to reflect on his role and responsibilities as a presiding officer, and questions whether his ambition and past controversies have clouded his judgment.
Overall, Prof. Sharma’s piece invites readers to consider the implications of political conduct on public trust and the functioning of democratic institutions, making it a salient contribution to current discourse in Indian politics.