Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns, Sparking Political Turmoil

The resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, India's Vice President, has led to widespread speculation about the underlying reasons behind the sudden decision, occurring just as the Parliament enters a crucial session.

In an unexpected twist, the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, announced his resignation late Monday evening, leaving political observers and opposition leaders in a state of bewilderment. His departure was ostensibly due to health issues, yet the timing has raised eyebrows among peers and pundits, with many questioning whether there are deeper implications at play.

Having assumed office in August 2022 with an expected tenure until 2027, Dhankhar was actively involved in the current monsoon session of Parliament, even presiding over a Rajya Sabha session and handling significant issues. On the same day, he facilitated the swearing-in of new members and acknowledged an impeachment notice against Justice Yashwant Varma, who faces allegations connected to a cash discovery at his residence.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which endorsed Dhankhar for the vice presidency, has remained mum regarding the resignation, adding to the rising tension. In stark contrast, opposition leaders have expressed shock, with some suggesting that the resignation might reflect concerns beyond simple health issues. Anand Dubey, a spokesperson for the Shiv Sena (UBT), raised concerns over the lack of pre-resignation discussions, hinting at potential political discord.

Manish Tewari, a Congress MP, labeled the resignation as "totally unexpected," while fellow party member Jairam Ramesh emphasized the unusual nature of the incident, referencing the prior absence of key ministers in a meeting overseen by Dhankhar. He highlighted how Dhankhar's abrupt resignation could signify larger dysfunctions within the government.

Dhankhar, whose political journey began in 1989, previously served as the governor of West Bengal before stepping into his role as vice president. After undergoing angioplasty in March, he returned to his duties, maintaining a visible presence in Parliament. With Dhankhar's exit creating a vacancy in the vice presidency, the duties will fall to the deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha or another presidential appointee until further arrangements are made.