Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt decision to step down from office on Tuesday evening—citing health reasons—has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with behind-the-scenes manoeuvres suggesting deeper causes than stated in his official letter.
According to a report by NDTV, Dhankhar’s decision to admit a motion submitted by opposition MPs for the removal of High Court judge Yashwant Varma—at whose residence bundles of cash were allegedly recovered—caused significant friction with the Centre. The Union government, which had already prepared its own motion and gathered signatures, intended to introduce the proposal in the Lok Sabha after taking opposition MPs into confidence.
However, Dhankhar, in his role as Rajya Sabha Chairman, approved the opposition’s motion without informing the government. This move reportedly triggered a flurry of high-level meetings. Sources told NDTV that this unilateral decision was perceived as undermining the government’s lead on combating judicial corruption.
Emergency Meetings, Silent Move On Motion After Dhankar 'Crossed The Line'
Following the acceptance of the motion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with senior Cabinet ministers. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, one of the seniormost figures in the Cabinet, hosted the ministers who subsequently instructed BJP’s chief whip to summon Rajya Sabha MPs in groups.
BJP lawmakers were then reportedly asked to sign a significant motion and maintain complete silence on the matter. NDA MPs were also called in later to add their signatures. All those involved were instructed to remain in Delhi for the next four days, should further action be required.
Subsequently, Dhankhar was informed of the signed motion and the developments that had unfolded. Senior ministers also briefed ruling party MPs on instances where Dhankhar had allegedly “crossed the line” or caused embarrassment to the government, according to sources cited by NDTV.
Exit Before Fallout
Before further steps could be initiated, Dhankhar announced his resignation late Tuesday night. His resignation letter, posted at 9.25 pm on the Vice President’s official X account, stated his intent to “prioritise health care and abide by medical advice”.
“I express my deep gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister and the esteemed Council of Ministers. Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office,” the letter read. He also mentioned he was honoured to serve during a “transformative era” in India’s history.
Dhankhar Gets Support From Opposition As Parties Suspect
President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation, while Prime Minister Modi took to X to extend his wishes, saying: “Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.”
The Congress, however, raised concerns over the manner of the resignation. “It’s very unexpected. It shouldn’t have happened the way it has happened. There is an issue because Mr Dhankhar is healthy. He was in a jovial mood. However, something happened in the afternoon. Ministers didn’t appear for his meeting. He might have felt insulted,” said senior Congress MP Vivek Tankha, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal demanded clarity from the government on the resignation. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee—who had frequent confrontations with Dhankhar during his tenure as governor—remarked that she wouldn’t say much on the issue but noted that he appeared to be in good health.
Dhankhar, elected Vice President in 2022 after serving as West Bengal Governor, still had two years left in his term.
