Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation on Monday evening has surprised political circles and sparked speculation. The 74-year-old leader, who took office in August 2022 with a term until 2027, stepped down citing health issues. However, his active participation in Rajya Sabha proceedings earlier that day has led to doubts about the real reason behind his decision.
Opposition Doubts Health Reason
Several Congress leaders, including Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Pramod Tiwari, and Jairam Ramesh, met Dhankhar around 5:45 pm on Monday. They said he looked perfectly healthy and did not mention any health concerns during their interaction. Jairam Ramesh also spoke to him on the phone at 7:30 pm, shortly before the resignation news broke, adding to the mystery surrounding his decision.
The Opposition argues that if health was truly the reason, Dhankhar could have resigned before the start of the Monsoon Session. Instead, he presided over Rajya Sabha proceedings with full energy and showed no visible discomfort.
Speculation Over Timing
Adding to the confusion, Dhankhar’s official visit to Jaipur scheduled for July 23 was not cancelled. A press release had even confirmed the trip, suggesting the resignation may have been sudden and possibly triggered by factors beyond health issues. Political observers note that Dhankhar was active until 6–7 pm on Monday, raising questions about what happened in the following hours to prompt such an abrupt exit.
Dhankhar’s Remaining Term
Dhankhar, a former Governor of West Bengal, had nearly two years left in his term. Known for his sharp remarks and frequent confrontations with the Opposition, particularly the INDIA bloc, he often faced accusations of bias while presiding over Rajya Sabha sessions.
Next Steps
With Dhankhar stepping down, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh will serve as Acting Chairman until a new Vice President is elected. According to constitutional rules, the election must be completed within 60 days.
Parliament’s proceedings on Tuesday are expected to focus heavily on this sudden development, as leaders seek clarity on the true reasons behind Dhankhar’s resignation.
Also Read: Dhankhar Urges Peace Among Parties Before Session
