Behind Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation: Political Friction?

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation on July 21, officially attributed to health reasons, came after a behind-the-scenes clash with the Union government, according to multiple sources cited by NDTV. The development, which caught many in the ruling establishment off-guard, followed Dhankhar’s unexpected acceptance of an opposition-sponsored motion against a sitting High Court judge.

As NDTV reported on July 22, tensions flared after Dhankhar, in his capacity as Rajya Sabha Chairman, accepted a motion filed by opposition MPs seeking the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma. The judge has been under scrutiny after large amounts of cash were allegedly recovered from his residence. The move surprised the Centre, which had been preparing its own motion on Justice Varma and had even garnered signatures from opposition lawmakers. The government had planned to table the motion in the Lok Sabha, asserting its stance on judicial accountability.

However, Dhankhar’s decision to greenlight the opposition’s version—without informing the government—set off a rapid and tense chain of meetings at the highest levels. NDTV has learned that shortly after the move, senior ministers met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the fallout. Later, a group of key ministers convened again in Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s office, indicating the seriousness of the matter.

According to sources quoted by NDTV, the Vice President’s independent handling of the motion was viewed by the government as undermining its leadership on fighting corruption in the judiciary. There was concern that Dhankhar’s actions could dilute the message the Centre intended to send through its own initiative.

In an unusual twist, opposition leaders—who had submitted a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar just six months ago—have now expressed support for him, even as the government reportedly briefed its MPs about instances when Dhankhar had overstepped his constitutional role. NDTV reports that lawmakers were summoned in groups on July 22 and reminded of past occasions when Dhankhar had publicly criticized the government or caused political embarrassment.

By the time the internal discussions were still unfolding, Dhankhar made his resignation public. In his letter to President Droupadi Murmu, he stated that the decision was made “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice,” and requested immediate relief from his duties under Article 67(a) of the Constitution.

While the President swiftly accepted the resignation, public statements from political leaders have remained guarded. Prime Minister Modi, writing on X on July 22, offered his best wishes: “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.”

Former West Bengal Governor Dhankhar had frequently clashed with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during his tenure, yet even she weighed in briefly, telling NDTV that while she would not speculate further, “he looked to be in good health.”

The full political implications of Dhankhar’s exit are yet to unfold, but NDTV notes that it has triggered an unusual realignment of loyalties, with Dhankhar receiving support from some corners of the opposition even as the ruling party recalibrates its response.