Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation as Vice President of India has ignited a firestorm of speculation and political commentary, with opposition leaders openly questioning the timing and intent behind the move. Though Dhankhar officially cited health reasons in his resignation letter to the President, the abruptness, lack of prior signals, and coincidence with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament have raised serious doubts across party lines.
Key Points Sparking Speculation:
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Unexpected Nature of Resignation:
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Just hours before his resignation on Monday evening, Dhankhar was active and engaged—chairing Rajya Sabha proceedings, meeting opposition leaders, and planning for the next day’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting.
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Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said he met Dhankhar earlier that day and even spoke to him shortly before the resignation. “There was no indication he was unwell or planning to step down,” Ramesh noted.
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Timing — First Day of the Monsoon Session:
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The resignation came on a symbolically powerful day—just as the Monsoon Session began. Critics question why, if health was a concern, the resignation wasn’t submitted before or after the session.
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Unfinished Business:
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Dhankhar was expected to make significant announcements related to the judiciary, and had scheduled a BAC meeting for Tuesday. His sudden departure suggests unfinished institutional agendas, which has left Parliamentarians and political observers bewildered.
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Opposition Reactions:
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The Congress party urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to persuade Dhankhar to reconsider, arguing it would be “in the national interest” and particularly “a relief to the farming community”—a cryptic comment suggesting internal political implications.
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CPI MP P. Sandosh Kumar hinted that Dhankhar may have been “dissatisfied with some developments,” while Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Anand Dubey questioned the lack of prior consultation and coordination.
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AIMIM’s Waris Pathan and former Union Minister Kapil Sibal, though sympathetic, accepted the medical explanation and expressed hope for Dhankhar’s recovery.
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Kapil Sibal’s Nuanced Tribute:
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In a rare bipartisan gesture, Sibal praised Dhankhar as a "patriot" who valued parliamentary fairness despite ideological differences. He emphasized Dhankhar’s willingness to allow opposition voices and maintain personal warmth—raising questions about whether political pressure or dissatisfaction played a role in his decision.
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Constitutional Context:
Dhankhar submitted his resignation under Article 67(a) of the Constitution, which allows a Vice President to resign by writing to the President. At 74, Dhankhar still had over two years left in his term, making this the third instance in Indian history of a Vice President stepping down mid-term—after V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman, both of whom resigned to contest the presidential election. Dhankhar has not declared any such ambition.
The Unanswered Questions:
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Was the resignation prompted by internal friction with government ministers or over institutional matters like judiciary reform?
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Did the absence of JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju from the BAC meeting earlier that day trigger Dhankhar’s decision?
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Was there an attempt to sideline his authority or block announcements he was preparing to make?
Until further clarification emerges from Dhankhar himself or the government, the political and constitutional implications remain unresolved. The opposition’s call for transparency, and the PMO’s silence so far, only deepen the mystery. What’s clear, however, is that this resignation is not merely an act of medical necessity—but a moment that may shape the political narrative in the months to come.
