Page 6 - The Indian EYE 080125

EYE ON INDIA AUGUST 01, 2025 | The Indian Eye 6

Storm Over Resignation: Opposition

Targets Government After Jagdeep

Dhankhar Steps Down as Vice President

The sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has triggered a political firestorm,

with opposition leaders questioning the official narrative and accusing the ruling BJP of

undermining constitutional processes

OUR BUREAU NDA coalition.
Supriya Shrinate of the Congress noted, “The
New Delhi
picture is not as clear as it is shown. There are lay-
he political corridors of Delhi are abuzz with ers to this resignation that will only become visible
speculation following the abrupt resigna- in the coming days. It is our responsibility to seek
Ttion of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, answers and ensure transparency in constitutional
who stepped down from his constitutional post on offices.”
Monday evening citing health concerns. While his Jagdeep Dhankhar’s tenure as Vice President
official letter to President Droupadi Murmu refer- was marked by firm control over parliamentary
enced “medical advice” and a desire to “prioritise proceedings and frequent clashes with opposition
health,” opposition parties allege that the real rea- MPs. While BJP leaders hailed his leadership for
sons lie deeper — and are being deliberately ob- upholding decorum in the Rajya Sabha, critics la-
scured. beled him as overtly partisan. Prior to serving as
The Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Vice President, Dhankhar was the Governor of
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and Shiv Sena West Bengal, where he had multiple run-ins with
(UBT) have all demanded clarity, questioning both the state government led by Mamata Banerjee.
the timing and circumstances of Dhankhar’s exit. Despite his strong alignment with the BJP,
Some have gone as far as to suggest internal tur- Dhankhar occasionally voiced concerns on issues
moil within the BJP or friction within Parliament like judicial accountability, farmers’ welfare, and
as possible triggers. excessive political arrogance, which endeared him
“The sudden and mysterious manner in which to some and alienated others.
the Vice President resigned leaves many questions JMM MP Mahua Maji said the timing of the
unanswered,” said Congress leader Randeep Sur- resignation—just days before the expected conclu-
jewala. “The BJP has a track record of weakening sion of the Monsoon Session—was “shocking” and
constitutional offices and processes. We demand that Dhankhar could have waited. “There should
that Prime Minister Modi come forward and ex- have been transparency. Everyone is speculating
plain the reasons to the people and to Parliament.” now,” she said.
In his letter, Dhankhar stated: “To prioritise Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi empha-
health care and abide by medical advice, I here- sized the unprecedented nature of the resignation.
by resign as the Vice President of India, effective Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post “to “This is the first time in history that over 50 MPs
immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of signed a no-confidence motion against the Vice
the Constitution.” Yet many opposition leaders are prioritise health care and abide by medical advice” (ANI) President. The government owes us and the people
skeptical. AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bhardwaj an explanation,” she told ANI.
called the resignation “unusual” and hinted at be- his decision to step down. So far, the BJP has remained largely silent. No
hind-the-scenes developments. In a post on X, Ramesh wrote: “Yesterday, senior party member has publicly addressed the
Bhardwaj also pointed to unresolved internal Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar chaired the Business Advi- circumstances leading to Dhankhar’s resignation.
discussions within the BJP regarding party leader- sory Committee of the Rajya Sabha at 12:30 PM. It Observers believe the party is working behind the
ship, suggesting that Dhankhar’s resignation might was attended by most members, including Leader scenes to manage the fallout and ensure a smooth
be linked to broader political realignments. “There of the House JP Nadda and Minister of Parliamen- transition.
have been talks about changes in the party presi- tary Affairs Kiren Rijiju. The BAC reconvened at As per constitutional provisions, an election
dent’s post for months, and this resignation adds to 4:30 PM, but both Nadda and Rijiju were absent will now be held to fill the vacant post. The Vice
the uncertainty,” he said. and did not inform him directly. This may have President is elected by an electoral college com-
Sources close to Parliament suggest that been the final straw.” posed of members from both Houses of Parliament
Dhankhar’s relationship with some senior BJP Adding a new layer to the controversy, it has through a proportional representation system.
leaders had become strained in recent weeks. Con- emerged that opposition parties had recently Until then, speculation will continue to swirl.
gress MP Jairam Ramesh recounted events on the submitted a notice seeking Dhankhar’s removal Was Dhankhar’s exit truly about health, or was it a
day of Dhankhar’s resignation, alleging that he as Vice President, citing partisan conduct in the symptom of a deeper political rift within the ruling
was not informed in person about the absence of Rajya Sabha. As Chairman of the Upper House, establishment? Until the silence from the govern-
key BJP leaders from a critical Business Advisory Dhankhar was accused of suppressing opposition ment is broken, political circles are likely to remain
Committee (BAC) meeting, which may have led to voices and exhibiting favoritism towards the ruling rife with speculation and conjecture.

www.TheIndianEYE.com