Questions are circulating in Delhi’s political circles about whether Jagdeep Dhankhar intends to forgo the benefits entitled to him as the former Vice President of India. Speculation has intensified after it emerged that he has applied for a pension as a former legislator in the Rajasthan Assembly. Adding to the intrigue, his wife and daughter reportedly visited Rajasthan several times last week to oversee the construction of their farmhouse.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned unexpectedly from the post of Vice President on July 22 citing health reasons, has maintained a low profile since then. His resignation, described widely as the “talk of the town,” was accepted the following day, after which the Vice President’s Secretariat was dissolved and staff relieved of their duties. Since stepping down, Dhankhar has not made any public statements or appearances.
The Rajasthan Assembly Secretariat has confirmed receipt of his application for a legislator’s pension and has begun processing it. Dhankhar was elected to the 10th Rajasthan Assembly in 1993 from the Kishangarh constituency in Ajmer district on a Congress ticket.
His resignation has drawn questions from the opposition, but Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently clarified in an interview that Dhankhar’s decision was solely due to health concerns.
Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, responding to journalists’ queries, confirmed that the pension application has been received and is under process. This is the first application Dhankhar has submitted since resigning as Vice President. Notably, he has not yet applied for the residence benefits to which he is entitled.
Throughout his political career, Dhankhar has held several key positions. He served as a Janata Party Member of Parliament from Jhunjhunu between 1989 and 1991, maintaining close ties with late Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal.
Later, in 1993, he was elected as an MLA from Kishangarh on a Congress ticket. He went on to serve as the Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022) and Vice President of India (2022–2025).
Under Rajasthan’s pension scheme, former legislators receive ₹35,000 per month. Those above 70 years of age are entitled to a 20% additional pension, which rises to 30% once they cross 80. At 74, Dhankhar qualifies for the 20% enhancement, making him eligible for a monthly pension of around ₹42,000.