Dhankhar's Sudden Resignation Ignites Political Speculation
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has abruptly resigned from his post, citing health reasons in a move that has taken the Indian political landscape by surprise. The abrupt nature of his departure, coming just hours after he presided over a contentious session of the Rajya Sabha, has fueled intense speculation that his reasons may be more political than medical.
An Unexpected Announcement
On Monday, Dhankhar oversaw the opening of the Monsoon Session, giving no indication of his impending decision. Hours later, he submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu. "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign," his letter stated, ending his term two years early. He had served as India's 14th Vice President for less than three years, taking office in August 2022. His resignation also follows a four-day hospital stay in March for a heart-related ailment.
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Controversial Final Actions
The official reason for his exit is being viewed with skepticism due to his actions on his final day. Dhankhar appeared to catch the government off guard by admitting an impeachment motion against a high court judge, which was initiated by over 50 opposition MPs. This move was unexpected, as the government had indicated that the Lok Sabha would take the lead on the matter. By accepting the opposition's letter, Dhankhar set in motion the process for an inquiry panel.
Furthermore, he allowed the Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, to speak at length on sensitive national security topics, including the Pahalgam terror attack and claims made by President Donald Trump. According to reports, ruling party members felt these subjects should have been reserved for a later debate, and that Dhankhar should have intervened. His public push for a new system to oversee the judiciary also put him at odds with the government.
Murmurs of Shifting Alignments
Adding another layer to the intrigue are reports of Dhankhar's recent meetings with key opposition figures. He met with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge last week and hosted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday, leading to quiet murmurs in political circles about his growing proximity to the opposition.
Ultimately, while Jagdeep Dhankhar's official reason for stepping down is his health, the timing and his assertive, independent actions on his final day have created a political storm. His departure leaves a significant vacuum and has ignited a debate about a potential rift with the ruling establishment, a question that will likely dominate political discourse in the coming days.
