Dhankhar’s resignation: Was it really about health?

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation on Monday evening has triggered a political storm. Officially, the 74-year-old cited health reasons, but Opposition leaders claim there is more to the story. The events that unfolded between 1 pm and 4.30 pm on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament may hold the key to understanding his shock exit.

The day began with usual proceedings in Parliament — adjournments, Opposition protests, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for unity outside the building. However, the resignation at 9.25 pm left everyone puzzled. Dhankhar, who took office in August 2022 and was supposed to serve till 2027, showed no signs of ill health throughout the day. Instead, he appeared to be actively involved in meetings and parliamentary business.

What happened in Rajya Sabha?

One of the day’s biggest developments was the motion for the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma. More than 50 members of the Rajya Sabha, mainly from the Opposition, signed the motion, which Dhankhar accepted. This step, according to sources, might have irked the government. The Lok Sabha also had a bipartisan motion with 152 MPs, but Dhankhar’s acceptance of a purely Opposition-backed motion could have created friction.

Dhankhar, known for his strong stand on judicial reforms, seemed ready to push the matter forward under the Judges (Inquiry) Act. However, the government, as some insiders claim, is not keen on a confrontation with the judiciary, especially given recent tensions over the cash-at-home row involving Justice Varma. Was Dhankhar’s action seen as ‘jumping the gun’?

Adding to the tension was a heated moment in the House when BJP leader JP Nadda allegedly made a remark implying that only his statements would be recorded, which Congress MPs interpreted as an insult to the Chair. Though Nadda later clarified his comments, reports suggest this incident may have upset Dhankhar.

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A mystery between 1 pm and 4.30 pm

The day took a sharp turn during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings. The first meeting, held at 12.30 pm, included both Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. However, for the second meeting at 4.30 pm, both leaders were absent, and Union Minister L Murugan represented the government instead. Congress leaders believe this absence deeply offended Dhankhar.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh pointed out that Dhankhar had scheduled major announcements related to the judiciary for the following day. “He was perfectly healthy, even jovial,” said another Opposition leader, Vivek Tankha. “Something happened in the afternoon that upset him and perhaps the government as well.”

The resignation letter cited health concerns, but the Vice-President’s Secretariat had even posted his travel plans to Jaipur for July 23 earlier that afternoon, suggesting that the decision to quit came abruptly.

More than what meets the eye

Opposition leaders, including Pappu Yadav and Jairam Ramesh, have hinted that Dhankhar’s impartial conduct and firm handling of parliamentary business were not well-received by those in power. His assertive stance on the Justice Varma motion may have been the final straw.

Speculations are further fueled by the timeline: by 4.36 pm, Rajya Sabha was adjourned, and by 7.30 pm, Dhankhar was reportedly telling Ramesh that he was with his family discussing health issues. Just two hours later, the official resignation announcement was made.

The government has remained tight-lipped, and clarity may take time. For now, Dhankhar’s exit has left Parliament and the political landscape buzzing with unanswered questions. Was this resignation purely a personal decision, or was it triggered by political and judicial fault lines? The truth may take time to surface — if it ever does.