In a development that has stirred speculation and surprise across the political spectrum, Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation late Monday evening, citing health reasons. The sudden and unexpected announcement sent ripples through Parliament and beyond, with members of both the ruling and opposition camps expressing shock at the abrupt nature of his decision.
President Droupadi Murmu received Dhankhar’s resignation on Monday, and it was made effective immediately. The move leaves a significant constitutional post vacant and has prompted leaders, particularly from the Opposition, to raise questions about the underlying reasons behind the departure.
Dhankhar, who has held the office since August 2022, was known for maintaining a firm yet balanced approach in conducting proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. While citing medical reasons as the cause of his exit, his decision has been met with skepticism from senior opposition leaders who were in contact with him hours before the resignation became public.
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, was among the first to react. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh described the resignation as “shocking” and “inexplicable,” pointing out that he had met Dhankhar personally at around 5 PM on Monday and even spoke to him again over the phone at 7:30 PM, just hours before the resignation letter was submitted. “No doubt Mr. Dhankhar has to give topmost priority to his health. But clearly, there is far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye,” he wrote.
Ramesh also noted that Dhankhar had scheduled a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee for Tuesday at 1 PM and was expected to make key announcements, particularly related to judicial reforms. His withdrawal from office on the eve of such significant parliamentary engagements has left many in political circles questioning whether there are other factors at play.
While Ramesh emphasized that “this is not the time for speculation,” his carefully chosen words suggest that the Congress believes the resignation may not be solely due to medical reasons. He also made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and persuade Dhankhar to reconsider his decision. “This will be in the nation’s interest,” Ramesh said, adding that the farming community, in particular, would find relief if Dhankhar continued in office, hinting at the former Vice President’s known support for agrarian issues.
Dhankhar’s tenure as Vice President has been marked by his sharp interventions, not just towards the Opposition but also the treasury benches, maintaining a relatively impartial tone in a deeply polarized political climate. As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he often emphasized discipline, parliamentary decorum, and the importance of upholding constitutional responsibilities. His style, while occasionally confrontational, was largely seen as principled and assertive, especially during debates on contentious legislation and issues related to judicial appointments.
His resignation comes at a crucial juncture when Parliament is in session and major discussions, including legislative matters and ongoing judicial reforms, are on the anvil. The abrupt nature of his exit has raised concerns over continuity and leadership within the Upper House. While no official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office has been made yet, expectations are high that the government will soon address the growing speculation surrounding the resignation.
Dhankhar, a lawyer by training and a former Governor of West Bengal, has long been involved in public affairs. His political journey spans decades and includes service as a Member of Parliament, Union Minister, and senior functionary in the BJP. His appointment as Vice President had been seen as a nod to both his legal acumen and his efforts to engage with complex national issues from a constitutional lens.
In the absence of any detailed explanation beyond the brief reference to “health reasons,” the vacuum left by Dhankhar’s resignation is both practical and symbolic. It raises not just procedural questions about who will succeed him, but also deeper concerns about political transparency and stability at the highest levels of government.
As the political establishment absorbs this development, one thing is clear: Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected exit from the nation’s second-highest constitutional office has opened a chapter filled with unanswered questions, delicate political calculations, and a waiting nation seeking clarity.
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