Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns Reason: Poor Health Alone Cannot Explain Dhankhar Resignation, A Long Trail of Discomfort and Discord

Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns Reason: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar may have cited ill health as the reason for his resignation, but this explanation is hardly convincing. Over time, Dhankhar had managed to become a thorn in the side of both the ruling party and the opposition due to his distinctive style of functioning. In political circles, it was widely believed that his appointment as Vice President was a reward for his firm and confrontational stance against Mamata Banerjee during his tenure as Governor of West Bengal. Even today, this perception remains alive in many quarters.

Throughout his tenure, Dhankhar made several statements that were seen as stepping beyond the ‘boundaries set by the high command’. These statements were sometimes ideological, sometimes in support of individuals who were not party favorites—or who had been purposefully sidelined by the party.

Although Dhankhar never directly named Prashant Kishor, he expressed concern over the influence of “external consultants” in electoral strategy.

This remark came at a time when rumors were swirling about a potential alliance or negotiation between Kishor and the BJP, and the central leadership was seeking to maintain strategic confidentiality.

He also openly praised Indian-origin Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee, stating, “Scientific thinking and economic criticism are assets to any democracy.” Notably, several BJP leaders had criticized Banerjee’s views and economic models, so this statement by the Vice President stood out as divergent from the party line.

At a literary event, Dhankhar lauded Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s command over language and his contributions to parliamentary debate—at a time when BJP leaders were usually quick to attack Tharoor’s remarks.

When veteran Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad retired from the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar described him as a “paragon of political dignity and dialogue.”

He once stated: “If we are to preserve the soul of democracy, the government must listen to media criticism with respect.”

Dhankhar also extended cultural and intellectual support to Kumar Vishwas—once a founding member of the Aam Aadmi Party and later seen as somewhat close to some factions of the BJP. During a cultural event, Dhankhar referred to Vishwas as “a luminous voice in the Navodaya poetic tradition” and appreciated his spirit of free expression.

These remarks came at a time when Vishwas had stirred discomfort even within BJP ranks, and the party maintained an ambiguous stance toward him.

Beyond Kumar Vishwas, Dhankhar also shared platforms with literary intellectuals such as Ashok Vajpeyi and Makarand Paranjape—both known for their critical views—and emphasized that “freedom of expression is the most essential democratic value.”

He also praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administrative acumen, decisive leadership, and efforts to establish the rule of law.

These compliments came at a time when tensions between the BJP’s central leadership and its state unit in Lucknow (Delhi vs. Lucknow equation) were a subject of speculation.

As Rajya Sabha Chairman, Dhankhar often pointed out the existence of “undeclared restrictions on freedom of speech in Parliament.” This was seen as an indirect critique of the government’s policies and the pressure exerted by the central power, making the party leadership uncomfortable.

He once advocated for preserving “ideological diversity” and a “culture of dialogue” in JNU, which stood in contrast to BJP’s usual hardline stance against left-leaning academic institutions.

His approach toward Justice J.S. Verma was also noteworthy, especially concerning constitutional morality, women’s rights, and judicial independence. Though he did not repeatedly name Justice Verma, his views often reflected a respectful acknowledgment of Verma’s legacy.

On public platforms, Dhankhar frequently emphasized “constitutional morality” and “rule of law,” stating that the judiciary must earn the people’s trust—not the government’s. As Vice President, he did not directly mention the Verma Committee, but he praised efforts towards women’s safety, the establishment of fast-track courts, and legal reforms.

He often asserted the supremacy of Parliament, stating that “the judiciary should not encroach upon the domain of representatives elected by the people,” while simultaneously noting that the judiciary must be an “example of internal integrity and public accountability.” In a 2023 speech, he spoke of “moral leadership and institutional honesty,” indirectly referring to the dignity of some of India’s former judges.

Throughout his tenure, Dhankhar gave strong signals that he was guided not merely by party lines, but by constitutional values and personal conscience. In a tightly disciplined party like the BJP, this often created unease. He was seen as a leader in the mold of Atal Bihari Vajpayee—liberal, nationalist, and principled—while today’s BJP operates with a more centralized and controlled strategy.

Opposition’s No-Confidence Motion Against Dhankhar

On the other hand, the opposition moved a no-confidence motion against Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on December 10, 2024. The motion was spearheaded by the INDIA bloc led by the Congress, which included around 30 to 40 parties such as AAP, TMC, and SP.

The opposition accused Dhankhar of partisan conduct, suppressing opposition voices while favoring the ruling BJP. Specific charges included allowing debates targeting Sonia Gandhi over her alleged links with George Soros, while rejecting 11 notices submitted by the opposition.

However, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh rejected the motion, citing procedural shortcomings. He noted that the mandatory 14-day notice under the Constitution was not adhered to and that Dhankhar’s name was spelled incorrectly in the motion. Calling it “flawed, incomplete, and procedurally invalid,” he dismissed it.

After the motion was quashed, Dhankhar responded:

“This is a propaganda campaign. I am personally hurt… I am a farmer’s son; I will not show weakness… This was merely to generate headlines.”

He appealed to the opposition for dialogue and constructive engagement.

Difficulties in the House on July 21, 2025 (Monday)

On Monday, July 21, 2025, Dhankhar faced significant challenges in the House.

During proceedings related to a High Court judge impeachment motion, duplicate signatures were discovered from a member, which Dhankhar termed a “serious and culpable issue.”

Additionally, chaos broke out over issues raised by the opposition, including Operation Sindoor and a recent terrorist attack, leading to repeated disruptions and heated debates.

In response, Dhankhar reiterated: “Dialogue is the only road forward—not confrontation.”