New Delhi: In a dramatic and unexpected move, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from office on Monday night, citing health reasons. The resignation came just hours after he accepted an Opposition-sponsored motion to remove a sitting judge, triggering political tremors in the capital.
Mr. Dhankhar, 74, submitted his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, who formally accepted it on Tuesday afternoon. The resignation has stunned both government and opposition leaders, with many calling the sequence of events a political mystery.
What Triggered the Exit?
At the centre of the storm is a notice to remove Justice Yashwant Varma, after a massive cash recovery at the judge’s official residence. The Opposition moved the notice when the Rajya Sabha convened for the Monsoon Session on July 21.
Mr. Dhankhar, in his capacity as Chairman of the Upper House, accepted the motion and asked the House Secretariat to begin due procedure.
This move, sources say, did not go down well with the Centre, which allegedly wanted to lead the action against judicial corruption on its own terms.
Soon, rumours began swirling about a possible no-confidence motion against the Vice President. Just six months earlier, the Opposition had moved a similar motion, which Mr. Dhankhar survived.
Rather than face another political storm, the veteran BJP politician reportedly chose to step down voluntarily.
The Resignation Letter
In his letter, shared via the official Vice President’s handle at 9:25 PM, Mr. Dhankhar wrote:
“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately… I extend my deepest gratitude to the Honourable President of India for her unwavering support.”
He also thanked the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, and Members of Parliament for their support and cooperation.
A Day of Rapid Developments – Timeline of Events
- 12:30 PM – Dhankhar chairs a business advisory committee meeting.
- 2:00 PM – He accepts the Opposition’s motion to remove Justice Varma.
- 4:07 PM – Announces motion acceptance in the House.
- 4:30 PM – Business advisory committee meets again, but no Union Minister attends.
- 5:00 PM – Congress and Opposition MPs meet with Dhankhar.
- 9:25 PM – Dhankhar posts his resignation letter.
- 12:00 PM (July 22) – President Murmu accepts the resignation.
Political Reactions
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Only he knows the reason. The government or Mr. Dhankhar can explain.”
JP Nadda, Leader of the House, denied snubbing the Vice President, stating that he and Kiren Rijiju had prior commitments.
Nadda also clarified his controversial remark in the Rajya Sabha, saying it was aimed at noisy opposition MPs, not at Mr. Dhankhar.
Opposition MPs, however, claimed Mr. Dhankhar was visibly upset by the government’s absence and disrespect in the House.
An Enigma Still Unsolved
While official statements point to health issues, many in political circles believe larger constitutional tensions and power dynamics are at play.
Just 10 days ago, Dhankhar had stated he would complete his term in August 2027, “subject to divine intervention.”
With his sudden exit, India’s political establishment is left guessing — was this truly about health, or a strategic retreat from a brewing institutional showdown?
