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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar reportedly made an unexpected visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan shortly before his shocking resignation, raising speculation across political circles.
Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned from his position as Vice President, citing health issues. His departure has fueled speculation, coming at a time of heightened tensions in the Rajya Sabha.“
Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar paid an unexpected visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan late Monday evening, just hours before his sudden resignation, according to official sources cited by news agency PTI.
Unscheduled Evening Visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan Precedes Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Sudden Resignation
Former Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, made headlines late Monday evening with an unannounced trip to Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed minutes later by a surprise resignation—leaving political circles in New Delhi in shock.
A Quiet Arrival, A Sudden Departure
Official sources confirmed to PTI that Dhankhar arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan around 9 pm without any prior appointment, catching the President’s staff off-guard. The visit lasted roughly twenty-five minutes; despite having no scheduled access, Dhankhar proceeded directly to meet President Droupadi Murmu. Sources report that at approximately 9:25 pm, the resignation letter was handed over personally.
Within half an hour of the meeting, the former Vice-President posted his resignation letter on X (formerly Twitter). In it, the 74-year-old leader formally cited his deteriorating health and the need to follow medical advice, invoking Article 67(a) of the Constitution to tender immediate resignation. The publication of the resignation on X occurred at about 9:55 pm, continuing the rapid-fire chain of events.
Health Cited; Speculation Abounds
Dhankhar’s resignation officially attributes his departure to health issues, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly offered his well-wishes via an X post, hoping for Dhankhar’s swift recovery. President Murmu accepted the letter the following morning, around 1:11 pm, as noted in the Gazette.
Despite the official statement, opposition parties remain skeptical. Congress leaders have urged transparency, suggesting deeper, undisclosed reasons prompted Dhankhar’s resignation. Jairam Ramesh highlighted that key discussions earlier on Monday afternoon—between 1 pm and 4:30 pm—may have triggered the decision. Meanwhile, the Jharkhand coalition of JMM, Congress, and RJD claim Dhankhar had attempted to steer the business of Parliament toward a discussion on Operation Sindoor—commemorating the Army’s role in Pakistan—only to be rebuffed in favor of agenda items like port privatization by government MPs. Reports even allege an NDA boycott of a Business Advisory Committee meeting he convened, which may have precipitated his choice to step down.
A Charismatic, Controversial Tenure
Dhankhar’s three-year term as Vice-President (August 2022 – July 2025) will be remembered for its high-decibel confrontations and frequent clashes with opposition MPs. The Economic Times characterized his tenure as marked by “clashes, controversies, constitutional confrontations” and noted that calls for his impeachment had once been raised in Parliament. In particular, legal experts point to his vocal criticism of the judiciary and allegations of partisan behavior while chairing the Rajya Sabha.
Before ascending to the vice-presidency, Dhankhar’s tenure as Governor of West Bengal (2019–22) was marked by confrontations with the state’s TMC government. His reputation for being outspoken has followed him throughout his career.
Adding to the complexity, an old video resurfaced showing Dhankhar stating he would serve until 2027 unless divine intervention intervened—making his abrupt departure three years early all the more surprising.
Reaction: Party Lines Drawn
The BJP has maintained its stance that Dhankhar’s resignation is purely health related. J.P. Nadda, party president, defended the move and rebuked the opposition for suggesting otherwise, confirming their agreement with the official reason.
On the other hand, opposition voices remain unconvinced. Congress has notably criticized the lack of customary tribute or farewell accorded to Dhankhar, calling him “Kisanputra,” or “son of a farmer,” and accusing the BJP of disparaging the office of the Vice-President. Leaders in Jharkhand’s alliance coalition demanded an official explanation from the central government to elucidate the “real truth” behind Dhankhar’s exit.
What’s Next?
Dhankhar is the first Vice-President in India’s history to resign mid-term. His departure leaves the NDA government its first major constitutional appointment vacancy of this Parliament. With the position now open, several names have passed through internal discussions on the party benches.
As the Monsoon Session progresses, the NDA will need to nominate a candidate and conduct a vote in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—an exercise that typically spans several weeks. Analysts suggest the BJP will seek a consensus candidate. However, in light of the tense political atmosphere, this process may not be straightforward.
In Summary
- 9:00 pm (July 21): Dhankhar arrives unscheduled at Rashtrapati Bhavan; meets President Murmu.
- ~9:25 pm: Resignation letter handed over; published on X approximately 30 minutes later.
- Reason Given: Health concerns, as per Constitution Article 67(a).
- Reactions: BJP supports the move; Opposition claims “deeper reasons” behind the decision.
- Background: Dhankhar’s tenure known for controversies, legal clashes, and political polarization.
- Looking Ahead: With the Monsoon Session underway, the NDA is expected to begin selecting a replacement, initiating what could be a contentious vote.
Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation, triggered by an unplanned evening at Rashtrapati Bhavan, has thrust India’s second-highest constitutional office into the center of political intrigue. Whether health issues or political friction were the primary cause remains officially unanswered—but the ripple effects are already influencing the parliamentary landscape.
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