A shocking political turn of events has come to light in the form of news that the Centre contacted Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar only a few hours before he considered resignation. Although the matter was resolved quietly, it tells us about the behind-the-scenes politics between constitutional functionaries and the executive.
As per a report in Hindustan Times, Dhankhar was said to be displeased about some issues, specifically what he felt was lack of consultation and coordination on significant parliamentary matters. The trigger, sources say, pertained to his position in the Rajya Sabha and recent legislative choices where his advice might not have been sufficiently sought.
Hours prior, Dhankhar had issued a notice in the Rajya Sabha that he had been served an Opposition- supported impeachment notice against Judge Yashwant Varma, signed by 63 MPs, in the wake of a cash recovery scam at the judge’s house. The action, while within the bounds of the rules, had caught the government off guard and one which they were supposed to bring via the Lok Sabha. Dhankhar acting on his own was alarm bells ringing in the corridors of power.
At noon, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju called, their tone beset with urgency. Rijiju indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not pleased, emphasizing that Lok Sabha’s consensus-driven process, supported by Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, was the preferred course of action. Dhankhar stood firm defending his actions, crediting his responsibility to the rules of the House.
Frustration was writ large on the government’s face. Dhankhar’s action had upset their plan to take the lead on judicial accountability, an issue that was sore due to the seizure of cash from Varma’s residence in March.
Rumblings of discontent grew louder during the course of the day. By 9:00 PM, Dhankhar visited Rashtrapati Bhavan unexpectedly, submitting his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu. Referring to health issues, he wrote, “To prioritize health care and follow medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India with effect from today.” The news, uploaded on his official X handle at 9:25 PM, left the country shocked.
Speculation swirled as the government’s muted response—Modi’s brief message came over 15 hours later—fueled theories of a deeper rift. The Election Commission moved swiftly, preparing for a new vice-presidential election, while Delhi’s political circles buzzed with questions. Had Dhankhar’s principled stand cost him his position, or was health truly the reason? Only the rain-soaked Enclave knew the full truth.
