Union Minister and BJP leader Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday condemned the Opposition INDIA bloc's notice to remove Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, terming the move “extremely regrettable.” Dhankhar, who also serves as Rajya Sabha Chairman, has been praised by Rijiju for his professionalism and impartiality.

Addressing the media, Rijiju lauded the Vice President for his commitment to parliamentary procedures and his focus on public and farmers' welfare. He criticized the Opposition for repeatedly disrespecting the dignity of the Chair in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Rijiju noted that Dhankhar, who comes from a humble background, has guided the House with fairness and integrity. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister further expressed confidence in the ruling NDA’s support for Dhankhar and rejected the Opposition's move as unjustified.

The Opposition submitted a notice signed by 60 MPs, alleging that Dhankhar’s brief tenure has been marked by "explicitly partisan" conduct. The MPs accused him of interrupting Opposition members, misusing privilege motions to suppress dissent, and undermining democratic discussions in the House. The notice was submitted to Rajya Sabha Secretary General P.C. Mody. However, the Opposition lacks the numbers required for the motion to pass in the 243-member Rajya Sabha.

Rijiju criticized the Opposition's actions, claiming that they consistently disregard the Chair's directions. He emphasized that the Vice President has shown exemplary leadership and that the NDA remains unified in its support.

Despite the lack of numerical strength, Opposition members stated that the notice was a symbolic move to defend parliamentary democracy. They argued that their effort sends a strong message about their commitment to ensuring fair and democratic legislative practices. However, no Vice President has ever been impeached in India's history, making this an unprecedented situation.