Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Unexpected Resignation

Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice President of India, unexpectedly resigned on Monday, concluding a three-year term marked by controversies. His resignation was reportedly triggered by the government’s dissatisfaction with his decision to accept an opposition-backed motion to impeach Justice Yashwant Varma. This decision was surprising as a similar motion had already been presented by the ruling BJP in the Lok Sabha. Dhankhar’s acceptance of the motion without informing the BJP further puzzled political observers.

Controversies During Dhankhar’s Tenure

Throughout his tenure, Dhankhar had several confrontations with the opposition, both as Vice President and previously as Governor of Bengal. His decision to end the suspension of Aam Aadmi Party’s Raghav Chadha, who was found guilty by the Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee for presenting misleading facts, irked the government. The suspension was initially imposed for Chadha’s proposal to form a Select Committee on the Delhi services bill without consent from involved MPs.

Raghav Chadha’s Bungalow Dispute

Another point of contention involved Chadha’s bungalow allotment in central Delhi. Despite being allotted a bungalow above his status as a first-time MP, Chadha refused to vacate it after the allotment was canceled. He secured a stay from the Delhi High Court against eviction, and the matter remains unresolved in court.

Dhankhar’s Clashes with Opposition and Government

Dhankhar frequently clashed with opposition leaders during his tenure, leading to accusations of partisanship towards the BJP. His recent actions, which allowed opposition leaders more voice in Parliament, concerned the government. Notably, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge was permitted to criticize the BJP over Operation Sindoor, despite government objections.

Farmers’ Protest and Supreme Court Criticism

Dhankhar also challenged the government over farmers’ protests for a minimum support price and questioned Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan at a public event. Additionally, he criticized the judiciary regarding the Justice Yashwant Varma case, calling for a criminal investigation into cash recovery and warning of potential judicial overreach.