The abrupt resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, India's Vice President, after just over a year in office, has sent shockwaves through the political arena. Announcing his resignation on the first day of the monsoon session, Dhankhar cited health issues as the reason for his departure. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which appointed him to the role, has so far remained silent on the matter, but opposition parties are keen to dig deeper into the motivations behind this sudden decision.
Dhankhar, 74, was expected to serve until 2027 after assuming office in August 2022. His resignation came just hours after he presided over a session of the Rajya Sabha and administered the oath of office to new members. Notably, he also received an impeachment notice aimed at high court judge Yashwant Varma, which added to the day's unfolding drama. The judge is under scrutiny following allegations of cash found at his residence, claims that he has categorically denied.
In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar expressed a desire to prioritize his health, reflecting on the "remarkable economic progress" of India during his time in office. "It has been a privilege and satisfaction to witness and partake in India's remarkable economic progress and unprecedented exponential development during this significant period," Dhankhar wrote.
The timing and manner of his resignation raised eyebrows among political analysts and leaders. Anand Dubey, spokesman for the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, noted the unexpected nature of the decision, questioning the government’s internal dynamics. Meanwhile, Congress MP Manish Tewari echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that there seems to be more to the story than is publicly known. Jairam Ramesh from Congress went further, calling the resignation "unprecedented" and highlighting the mysterious absence of two ministers from a scheduled meeting with Dhankhar earlier in the day.
Dhankhar has had a long political career, beginning as an MP in 1989 and later becoming the governor of West Bengal. He resigned from that position after being nominated by the BJP as Vice President in 2022. Notably, he underwent angioplasty earlier this year but returned to his duties without a prolonged period of absence.
With Dhankhar stepping down, the responsibilities of the Vice Presidency will likely transition to the deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha or another member chosen by the President. As reactions continue to unfold, the political implications of this resignation are still being analyzed, with many eager for clarification on what lies beneath the surface of this unexpected event.
