Synopsis:
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar submits his resignation citing health concerns in a formal letter to President Droupadi Murmu. Qalam Times News Network reports on this sudden political twist and what it means for the nation’s top office.
Resignation Sends Ripples Through Political Circles
Resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar came as a bolt from the blue on Monday night. In a formal letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar cited health reasons for stepping down from the nation’s second-highest constitutional post. Until earlier that very day, he had presided over the Rajya Sabha session—making the timing all the more unexpected.
The resignation has not only stirred political speculation but also raised questions about succession and the timing, as Dhankhar had been relatively active until recently. According to his letter, the decision came after medical advice. He thanked the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his colleagues in the Union Cabinet, and Members of Parliament for their support during his tenure.
Reflections and Gratitude from a Departing Vice President
In his letter, Dhankhar wrote that serving as Vice President had been a privilege, allowing him to witness India’s remarkable economic rise and developmental strides firsthand. At 74, he noted that participating in this journey was one of the great honors of his life.
He extended particular appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for his consistent support, calling it vital to his performance in office. “I have learned immensely while discharging my duties,” he stated, highlighting the value of his tenure in shaping both his understanding and commitment to public service.
Health Concerns: A Quiet Undercurrent Now Made Public
Dhankhar had been facing health issues for some time. In March, he was admitted to Delhi’s AIIMS after experiencing chest discomfort and was treated in the Critical Care Unit. While no public statements were made at the time about the seriousness of his condition, insiders now connect those events with his decision to step down.
Despite these health troubles, Dhankhar continued to fulfill his duties until the last moment. On Monday, he conducted parliamentary business as usual before announcing his resignation later that evening.
Legal Roots, Political Journey
Jagdeep Dhankhar graduated in law from Rajasthan University in the late 1970s and began his career as a practicing lawyer. His legal journey took him from the Rajasthan High Court to the Supreme Court, earning him wide respect before he transitioned into politics.
He entered Parliament in 1989 from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, as a Janata Dal MP and later became a Minister of State in 1990. After joining the BJP in 2003, his rise continued steadily. In 2019, he was appointed Governor of West Bengal—a post marked by repeated clashes with the state’s ruling party, Trinamool Congress. His confrontational stance during that time turned the Raj Bhavan into a political flashpoint.
In 2022, the BJP-led NDA nominated him as their Vice Presidential candidate. He defeated opposition nominee Margaret Alva by 346 votes to take office.
The Road Ahead: A Seat Vacant, Questions Rising
Now that Dhankhar has exited the Vice President’s post, speculation is already brewing about who will succeed him. Will the BJP opt for another legal luminary? A political heavyweight? Or a fresh face with symbolic significance? As the debate swirls, one thing is clear: his resignation has left a sudden vacancy at the heart of India’s constitutional machinery.
