Dhankhar’s sudden resignation sparks speculation, prompts strategic huddles

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation as Vice President of India on July 21, citing health reasons, has sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape. The move, coming on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, has led to intense speculations, prompting swift strategic huddles among the political fraternity with many opposition leaders and political pundits questioning the timing and circumstances of his decision.

Dhankhar’s consideration of an Opposition-sponsored resolution on the impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma is being touted as one of the major reasons that might have triggered his resignation. Dhankhar had acknowledged the Opposition-sponsored impeachment motion brought against Justice Varma. Sources say that by accepting the Opposition’s notice, Dhankhar ran afoul of the Centre’s plan to target corruption in the judiciary.

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Sources indicated that Dhankhar had received calls from senior ministers condemning his actions as unacceptable after he accepted the Opposition’s notice, leading to a heated argument. His strict adherence to norms is being interpreted as having led to a clash with the government.

Also, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh hinted at “far deeper reasons” for Dhankhar’s resignation beyond health concerns. Ramesh commented that Dhankhar’s resignation “speaks highly of him but poorly of those who got him elected.”

According to Ramesh, Dhankhar was upset over ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju’s absence from a reconvened Business Advisory Committee meeting without any prior notice. However, JP Nadda clarified that he and Kiren Rijiju couldn’t attend the meeting due to other parliamentary engagements and that his “only what I say will go on record” comment was directed at interrupting Opposition MPs. Nadda had made the remark “only what I say will go on record” during the course of his speech in the Upper House on Monday when the Opposition parties were on their toes trying to disrupt his address.

Speculation also suggests that blank documents were being signed, though details remain unclear, adding to the air of mystery surrounding Monday’s events. The development occurred hours after a series of late-evening meetings where MPs from the ruling party were reportedly involved in carrying out a signature campaign. There are questions surrounding these signatures, as some MPs were apparently asked to sign papers without full knowledge of their content, with speculation linking them to an impeachment motion against Justice Varma. Opposition MPs had already submitted a notice for the judge’s impeachment.

Dhankhar’s tenure was marked by heated moments, including accusations of bias and a no-confidence motion against him. Even in his final address and appearance in the House, he made no mention of his health or any intention to resign. Dhankhar was known for speaking fearlessly on issues like farmer welfare and judicial accountability. Dhankhar was sworn in as India’s 14th Vice President in August 2022. He served as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022.