Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation sparks political storm

In a shocking development, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday evening, citing health concerns, triggering a wave of speculation and political upheaval. The resignation, announced on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, has raised eyebrows, with multiple sources suggesting that underlying tensions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah may have played a significant role in his sudden exit.

Dhankhar, 74, who also served as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, tendered his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, stating, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.”

The move, however, has met with skepticism, as opposition leaders and political observers question the timing and official explanation, pointing to Dhankhar’s active participation in Rajya Sabha proceedings just hours before his announcement.

Speculation over political tensions

Sources indicate that Dhankhar’s resignation may be linked to friction with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership, particularly Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah. The primary point of contention appears to be Dhankhar’s decision to accept an opposition-sponsored motion to remove Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Varma, following the recovery of a large stash of charred currency notes from Varma’s official residence in Delhi.

This move reportedly caught the government off-guard, as the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had planned to lead the charge against judicial corruption by sponsoring a similar motion in the Lok Sabha, backed by 152 MPs, including opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi.

Dhankhar’s swift acceptance of the opposition’s notice in the Rajya Sabha, signed by 68 MPs, is said to have disrupted the government’s strategy, leading to visible discomfort among Treasury Benches. A senior BJP leader noted that the government faced “much embarrassment” as Dhankhar’s announcement preempted the NDA’s planned offensive. Additionally, sources suggest that Dhankhar’s recent meetings with opposition leaders, including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, further strained his relationship with the Modi government.

Health concerns or political pressure?

While Dhankhar’s resignation letter cited health issues, referencing his angioplasty at AIIMS Delhi in March 2025 and a recent collapse during an event at Kumaon University, many are unconvinced. Opposition leaders, while expressing concern for his well-being, have hinted at deeper political motives.

CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar was more direct, stating, “Only two persons—Narendra Modi and Amit Shah—can explain this. One thing is sure, he has not resigned due to health reasons.” RJD MP Sudhakar Singh echoed this sentiment, asserting that Dhankhar “appeared to be in good health” while presiding over the Rajya Sabha, suggesting the resignation reflects “political distress” within the BJP.

PM’s plain statement

The government’s reaction has been notably restrained, with no immediate comments from BJP leaders or Union Ministers following the announcement. Prime Minister Modi broke his silence nearly 15 hours later, posting on X: “Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.”

The absence of congratulatory messages or a farewell speech from Dhankhar has fueled speculation of a rift.

A high-level meeting was held on Tuesday in Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s chamber, attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, BJP chief JP Nadda, and other senior ministers, signaling intense deliberations within the NDA over the unexpected vacancy. For now, Dhankhar’s exit has left a void in India’s constitutional framework, with the nation watching closely for clues about the true reasons behind this dramatic development and who will emerge as his successor.