New Delhi July 22: The abrupt resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has reignited political tensions, giving opposition parties new grounds to target the BJP.
Independent MP from Purnia, Pappu Yadav, directly accused BJP president J.P. Nadda and other senior party leaders of forcing Dhankhar into a corner. Meanwhile, Congress leader Udit Raj expressed skepticism, asking pointedly, “Why now?”
Dhankhar’s resignation, officially attributed to health concerns, has created a stir in political circles across New Delhi. Lawmakers from various parties voiced concern over his well-being, while simultaneously casting doubts on the reasons behind his decision to step down.
Having taken office as the 14th Vice President of India in August 2022, Dhankhar announced his resignation on July 21, 2025 — coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
His unexpected departure has stunned both the government and the Opposition, with many interpreting it as a politically significant move. Although health issues were cited as the reason, several opposition voices remain unconvinced.
Congress MP Imran Masood questioned the narrative, stating, “This raises serious doubts. He was active all day, attending his scheduled engagements, and then suddenly resigned in the evening. It doesn’t seem health-related. Something else is going on.”
Rajya Sabha Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh called the resignation “shocking and unfortunate” for both the Upper House and the nation’s political environment. “He seemed perfectly well when I saw him yesterday. He chaired the session competently. This explanation doesn’t sit right,” Singh added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Pappu Yadav launched a scathing critique of the BJP, alleging that Dhankhar’s constitutional conduct clashed with the party’s expectations. “The BJP has no regard for democratic norms or constitutional values. Dhankhar ji upheld his impartiality, and that became a problem for those in power,” he said.
Referring to BJP president J.P. Nadda’s controversial remark during a speech by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge — “Nothing will go on record; only what I say will go on record” — Yadav claimed the Vice President took that insult personally. “This had nothing to do with his health,” he asserted.
Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, however, adopted a more measured tone. “He cited health reasons, and I won’t speculate beyond that. I’m not in a position to read between the lines,” he commented.
Senior Congress figure Udit Raj wished Dhankhar a healthy and long life but raised concerns over the timing of the resignation. “Why choose the very first day of such a critical parliamentary session? The Prime Minister should step in and urge him to reconsider,” Raj said.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi says, “We wish the Vice President good health. But looking at the entire sequence of events, it is quite evident that the central government had no assessment or prior knowledge of this…”.
New Delhi: On Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi says, “We wish the Vice President good health. But looking at the entire sequence of events, it is quite evident that the central government had no assessment or prior knowledge of this…” pic.twitter.com/JXgAC2TaPG
— IANS (@ians_india) July 22, 2025
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat also praised Dhankhar’s conduct during his term. “He was fair and dignified in his role. But in politics, especially in the BJP, nothing happens without calculation. Power is centralized in the hands of just two people — there is no room for democratic decision-making,” he alleged.
A veteran political leader and noted constitutional expert, Jagdeep Dhankhar earned a reputation as a strong yet balanced Rajya Sabha Chair.
His sudden departure, aligned with a high-stakes parliamentary session, has now opened a wave of speculation about what truly prompted his exit. (Edited)
