Jagdeep Dhankhar's Sudden Resignation Sparks Political Buzz
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down suddenly on Monday in a letter citing health reasons. But the suddenness and silence in announcing the move have led to rampant speculation.
From a likely ploy to placate Bihar ally Nitish Kumar, political jibes and judicial conflicts, three chief theories now circulate the chatter in Delhi. Even the opposition party, which is usually at loggerheads with Dhankhar, suspects something more than mere illness.
Only 12 days back, Jagdeep Dhankhar announced at a function in JNU that he would retire in August 2027, "subject to divine intervention." His sudden resignation, without any hints, has left many stunned. The Vice President's Office and the government have remained mum, adding to the intrigue.
The BJP, which earlier praised Dhankhar as an "inspiration" and "Kisan putra," did not react immediately. PM Narendra Modi expressed his thankfulness on Twitter only after 15 hours. Although Dhankhar underwent cardiac treatment last month, critics say that he could have resigned earlier, before the beginning of the monsoon session, so that there would be no disruption. His office's press release—released several hours before the resignation—speaking of his planned trip to Jaipur only increased the mystery.
One of the biggest theories is of a planned political maneuver. The BJP might be considering Nitish Kumar as their candidate for the Vice President's position before the vital Bihar elections. Appointing the JD(U) chief to a high office in the Constitution might assure his loyalty and shape the Bihar poll. BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur himself welcomed the idea in public, describing it as "very good for Bihar."
This is added to by Tuesday's Rajya Sabha proceedings being presided over by Harivansh Narayan Singh, a JD(U) supremo and incumbent Deputy Chairman. As the Upper House took place on this important day, his presence there could fortify NDA optics within Bihar, where the BJP has never held power independently.
Yet another theory connects the resignation to government tensions. On the opening day of the monsoon session, Dhankhar accepted a motion of the opposition calling for the ouster of Justice Yashwant Varma, who had recently hit the headlines with a seizure of a huge amount of cash at his home.
This move appeared hasty and caught the ruling party off guard, as the Lok Sabha was simultaneously discussing a government-sponsored motion. Later that day, BJP leaders JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju skipped Dhankhar’s Business Advisory Committee meeting. Their absence was notable. Nadda claimed prior commitments, but it signalled possible dissatisfaction within party ranks.
Even more provocative was Nadda's statement in the House that day, "Nothing will go on record, only what I say will go on record." Although he later explained it was directed against the opposition, many interpreted it as a snub to the Vice President.
Jagdeep Dhankhar's term was dominated by repeated collisions with the judiciary. Since assuming office in 2022, he publicly criticized what he described as "judicial overreach" and targeted the Supreme Court's ruling to cancel the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC).
These public comments were in line with government views, but they tended to get criticized. Insiders think this combative approach may have generated unease in the administration.
Though his health may very well be a consideration, Dhankhar's low-key exit has raised more questions than it has answers. As Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat noted, "In politics, not everything is straight." Whether this is a departure for recuperation—or realignment—remains to be witnessed.
