Unexpected Resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation as Vice President on Monday has stirred the political landscape. Citing health reasons, his departure was unexpected, especially considering he had two years remaining in his term. The announcement came after a series of political maneuvers that may have influenced his decision. Prior to his resignation, Dhankhar accepted a motion by opposition MPs for the removal of High Court Justice Yashwant Varma, which reportedly did not align with the Union government’s strategy.

Political Chessboard: Behind-the-Scenes Moves

The acceptance of the opposition’s motion by Dhankhar, without informing the government, triggered a chain reaction. The government had prepared its own motion for Justice Varma’s removal and had coordinated with opposition MPs to introduce it in the Lok Sabha. Dhankhar’s independent move surprised the government and led to an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers. This meeting resulted in a strategic response involving BJP MPs and NDA members, who were instructed to remain discreet and available for further actions.

Government’s Response and Internal Discussions

Following Dhankhar’s acceptance of the motion, senior ministers briefed MPs about instances where Dhankhar had allegedly overstepped his boundaries, causing embarrassment to the government. These discussions highlighted tensions between Dhankhar and the ruling party, culminating in his resignation announcement.

Health Concerns or Political Pressure?

Dhankhar’s resignation letter emphasized health concerns as his reason for stepping down. He expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi and the Council of Ministers for their support during his tenure. However, some political figures, including Congress leaders, have called for more transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding his resignation.

Reactions from Political Leaders

The resignation has prompted varied reactions across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Modi wished Dhankhar good health, while Congress leaders criticized the government’s handling of the situation. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a frequent critic of Dhankhar during his governorship, noted that he appeared to be in good health despite his stated reasons for resigning.