Political Earthquake: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns Amid Growing Speculations
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned, citing personal reasons. Explore the political impact, constitutional process, and reactions from opposition leaders.
NewsSutra
In a dramatic and unexpected political development, Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has officially resigned from his post, sending ripples through the country's political landscape. His resignation letter was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu late last evening, marking the end of a tenure that was both eventful and, at times, controversial.
This resignation comes at a critical juncture for Indian politics, with the 2026 general elections looming and increasing discord between the ruling coalition and the opposition parties.
A Sudden Exit: What We Know So Far
Jagdeep Dhankhar, who took office as the 14th Vice President of India on August 11, 2022, served as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. His tenure, though short, was marked by frequent face-offs with opposition leaders and a firm stance on procedural matters in the upper house of Parliament.
Sources close to the development have suggested that Dhankhar cited "personal and ethical reasons" for his resignation. However, analysts believe deeper political undercurrents may be involved. The Prime Minister’s Office has yet to release an official comment, but multiple party insiders indicate that tensions within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may have influenced Dhankhar’s decision.
A Brief Look at Jagdeep Dhankhar's Political Career
A seasoned politician and legal luminary, Dhankhar began his political career in the early 1990s. A former Governor of West Bengal and a Member of Parliament, he built a reputation for being articulate, constitutionally firm, and ideologically aligned with the BJP's core values.
As Governor, Dhankhar was frequently in the news for his public disagreements with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, particularly on matters related to governance, federalism, and administrative appointments.
His appointment as Vice President was largely viewed as a strategic move by the BJP to consolidate its ideological and legislative strength in the Rajya Sabha. His exit, therefore, opens up a vacuum that the NDA will now struggle to fill, especially ahead of key legislative sessions.
Opposition Reacts Swiftly
Predictably, opposition leaders have responded with a mixture of surprise and skepticism. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remarked on social media that "Democracy needs more transparency, not mystery," urging the government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the resignation.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders also called for a parliamentary probe, demanding that the President address the Parliament in a special session.
Political commentator Rajdeep Sardesai stated during a primetime debate that the resignation could signify “major realignments within India’s top constitutional offices.”
What This Means for Indian Politics
The resignation of a sitting Vice President is a rare event in Indian politics. Constitutionally, Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution allows the Vice President to resign by submitting a written resignation to the President. While this legal process has been followed, the political implications are profound.
Key Impacts:
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Disruption in Rajya Sabha Leadership:
With Dhankhar’s resignation, the Rajya Sabha is now without a presiding officer at a time when several important bills are pending for approval. -
Potential Shifts in NDA Leadership:
Rumors are rife that internal rifts within the NDA, particularly between coalition partners, have widened. This resignation may just be the tip of the iceberg. -
New Vice Presidential Elections:
According to parliamentary procedure, the Election Commission will now be tasked with initiating the process of electing a new Vice President. This could lead to further political wrangling and alliance building.
A Look at the Constitutional Process Ahead
Upon resignation, the Vice President ceases to perform his duties immediately. The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is expected to take on interim responsibilities until a new Vice President is elected.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is mandated to conduct an election within six months. The process involves members of both Houses of Parliament voting in a secret ballot through a system of proportional representation via single transferable vote.
The ruling party, given its strength in Parliament, will likely have a say in selecting the new Vice President. However, the resignation also gives the opposition an opportunity to rally around a consensus candidate.
Unanswered Questions Linger
Despite the procedural clarity, several unanswered questions remain:
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Was the resignation triggered by health concerns, or was it politically motivated?
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Did Dhankhar’s strong constitutional stance cause friction with the government?
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Is this the beginning of a larger political reshuffle at the central level?
These questions are bound to dominate news cycles in the coming days.
Media Coverage and Analysis
Top news outlets including The Hindu, Indian Express, and Times of India are running in-depth features and editorials on the implications of this resignation. Leading think tanks such as Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and PRS Legislative Research have also released preliminary briefs examining the potential institutional impacts.
Political analysts are already debating whether Dhankhar's resignation will embolden the opposition or provide the BJP an opportunity to reposition key figures before 2026.
Public Sentiment and Social Media Buzz
The resignation has exploded across social media platforms, trending nationwide on Twitter (now X) under hashtags like #DhankharResigns and #VicePresidentExit. Public reactions range from shock to suspicion, with many citizens demanding full disclosure.
An opinion poll conducted by India Today indicated that 64% of respondents believe the resignation has political undertones, while only 21% felt it was a personal decision.
What's Next for Jagdeep Dhankhar?
At 73, Jagdeep Dhankhar still commands significant respect across party lines. Political observers suggest he may either return to active politics or take on a role in legal or constitutional advisory services. However, with no official announcement yet, his next move remains speculative.
Should he choose to speak publicly about the reasons behind his resignation, it could potentially alter public perception and offer insight into the functioning of the country’s highest constitutional offices.
Final Thoughts
The resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar is not just a procedural development—it’s a potential political gamechanger. As India braces for pivotal moments in its democratic journey, this surprise exit adds yet another layer of complexity to the already dynamic political landscape.
While the country waits for official clarity, political leaders, analysts, and the public are left to interpret the signals—both obvious and subtle—emanating from this high-profile exit.
