Among many reasons behind the BJP’s choice of West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s keenness to restore decorum and adherence to rules in the conduct in the Rajya Sabha, of which the new Vice President will be the ex-officio chairman.
Modi was impressed that, as governor in Mamata Banerjee-ruled Bengal, Dhankhar showed grit and stamina against the political onslaught on his office.
He did not hesitate to flag numerous acts of violence by the ruling Trinamool Congressmen against its political opponents during the panchayat and assembly elections. Dhankhar challenged Mamata Banerjee’s writ when he visited areas affected by post-poll violence in the State last year. He blamed her party for the violence. Recently, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed a number of Bills replacing the Governor with the Chief Minister as Chancellor of the State-run Universities.
As he is someone who is known to remain firm in the face of intense pressure, Modi expects 71-year-old Dhankhar to steer the conduct of the Rajya Sabha where recalcitrant members are known to cross lines –though many of them are experienced parliamentarians. The BJP does not command a majority in the Upper House.
It was only last August that the Rajya Sabha witnessed unprecedented scenes, which upset the PM. Later in November, 12 Opposition MPs were suspended from the House for the rest of the Winter Session on account of ‘unruly behaviour’ during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which included acts of “misconduct, contemptuous, unruly and violent behaviour” and “intentional attacks on security personnel on the last day of 254th Session of Rajya Sabha.”
The episode formed a dark chapter in Parliament’s history as the Opposition protested over the Pegasus snooping row and the three farm laws.
On the last day of the Monsoon Session, Opposition MPs purportedly climbed on the officials’ table, waved black cloth and threw files when the House began a discussion on farmers’ protest against new reform laws. They also allegedly manhandled the security personnel.
Modi is clear that he wants such events to be things of the past. As India celebrated 75 years of Independence, the Monsoon Session of Parliament will be held for the last Session to be held in the old building. The Winter Session is proposed to be held in the new building.
The challenge before Dhankhar would be to ensure the House functions smoothly and recalcitrant behaviour by any member is discouraged.
In fact, the PM made it a point to say as much when he said in his first tweet welcoming his candidature. Lauding that Dhankhar has “excellent knowledge of our constitution” and “also versed with legislative affairs, Modi said, “I am sure that he will be an outstanding Chair in the Rajya Sabha and guide the proceedings of the House with the aim of furthering national progress.”
Dhankhar appears set to sail through the Vice-President’s election, scheduled for August 6. The BJP-led NDA has a clear majority in the 780-member electoral college, made up of members of both Houses of Parliament. The Opposition is yet to name its candidate, who has parliamentary experience.
As a Jat leader, Dhankhar’s selection is also bound to send a positive message to the farmer community, particularly those belonging to Rajasthan, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. BJP president JP Nadda termed Dhankhar as “kisan putra (farmer’s son)” who made his way to become “people’s governor.”
Dhankhar, who is a Jat leader from Rajasthan, began his political career as a socialist in the Lok Dal of late former prime minister Charan Singh. He had been a lawyer in the Rajasthan High Court and the Supreme Court. He was elected MP from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan on a Janata Dal ticket in 1989, and as an MLA in Rajasthan in 1993.
Dhankhar was associated with former deputy prime minister Devi Lal. Dhankhar backed Devi Lal when the latter walked out of the V P Singh government. He was Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the short-lived Chandra Shekhar government at the centre, which was in office from November 1990 to June 1991.
Dhankhar joined the BJP in 2003 and was appointed Bengal governor in July 2019.
(The author is a senior journalist and a well known political commentator)