The Unprecedented Exit of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

 

In a shocking and unprecedented turn of events, Jagdeep Dhankhar, who was serving as India's Vice President, tendered his resignation, marking the first time in the nation's history that a Vice President has stepped down from their post. This sudden departure has ignited a firestorm of speculation, given the mysterious circumstances surrounding his exit and his previously stated intention to remain in office until August 2027.

A Departure Shrouded in Mystery

Just days before his resignation, Dhankhar publicly stated at a Delhi University event that he was "not going anywhere" and dismissed rumors of his departure, proclaiming, "I will retire at the right time, August 2027, subject to divine intervention". However, it appears a "non-biological intervention" occurred. On the evening of July 21st, a Monday, Dhankhar was finalizing his schedule for the next day and had even decided on a two-day tour. He had also chaired the Rajya Sabha that very morning, advising both the ruling and opposition parties to work together harmoniously. Everything seemed ordinary until an unexpected announcement at 9 PM: his resignation, issued on his official letterhead, was released to the public.

The aftermath of this "political earthquake" was marked by an unusual silence from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership, while the Congress party was more vocal. Even Prime Minister Modi, known for his swift tweets on natural disasters or cricket victories, remained silent for 15 hours before issuing a cryptic and brief tweet wishing Dhankhar well for his future opportunities in serving the nation, which seemed "unenthusiastic". Simultaneously, news emerged that President Murmu had accepted his resignation, and no farewell speech or function was planned for Dhankhar, further fueling speculation that his departure was not accidental but a forced resignation or dismissal.

Dhankhar cited "to prioritize health care and to abide by medical advice" as the reason for his resignation, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67 A of the Constitution. However, this health-related explanation has been widely disbelieved, given that he had just chaired the Rajya Sabha session on the day of his resignation. While he did undergo an angioplasty earlier in the year due to uneasiness, he had since resumed his duties without interruption, attending various programs nationwide, indicating he was "physically okay". An unscheduled meeting with President Murmu before his resignation, the details of which remain undisclosed, and a meeting with Arvind Kejriwal the day prior, have only added to the theories surrounding his exit. It is widely believed that "something happened on the afternoon of the 21st that created this completely unexpected situation".

The Speculated Flashpoints: Why Was Dhankhar Forced to Resign?

Several theories have emerged regarding the true reasons behind Dhankhar's sudden departure:

• Approval of Justice Yashwant Verma's Removal: One significant factor cited is Dhankhar's decision to approve the statutory committee for the removal of Justice Yashwant Verma. The opposition had gathered over 50 signatures for this purpose. This move reportedly went against the government's wishes, as the government preferred to control any confrontation with the judiciary itself. Furthermore, allowing Verma's removal might have opened the door for the opposition to push for the removal of Justice Shekhar Yadav, a judge who had allegedly used "communal language" at a BHP function. Dhankhar had previously rejected the removal committee for Justice Shekhar Yadav due to inadequate signatures, but his approval for Verma's removal was seen as a setback for the BJP, allowing the opposition to set a narrative and holding Dhankhar responsible.
• Confrontational Stance with the Judiciary: Dhankhar's tenure was marked by repeated clashes with the Supreme Court, where he often echoed the government's views, leading to accusations that he prioritized the government over the Constitution.
  • He publicly criticized the Supreme Court's 2015 judgment striking down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), asserting it was an infringement on Parliament's rights and a mockery of the people's mandate. These arguments were favorable to the government, which sought more control over judicial appointments.
  • In 2023, Dhankhar controversially questioned the Basic Structure of the Constitution principle, established in the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case, which states that Parliament can amend the Constitution but not its basic structure. Dhankhar argued that in a democracy, the basic structure is the supremacy of the people, and therefore, legislative, executive, and judiciary must remain within their limits, implying the Supreme Court should not overstep its bounds.
  • He also clashed with the judiciary in April, when the Supreme Court ruled that the President and Governors could not indefinitely use their "pocket veto" on bills and must give assent within three months. Dhankhar strongly objected, stating in a Delhi University speech that no authority was above Parliament, as it comprises elected representatives, and that the Supreme Court could not instruct the President.
  • Such statements were perceived as him articulating positions that the government itself could not openly express. However, the Times of India published an editorial stating that the Vice President's post is largely ceremonial, and therefore, his comments on policy, politics, and judicial verdicts "must be discounted entirely", lacking "local standi". This humiliation, where even newspapers highlighted the insignificance of his words, was not new for Dhankhar.
• Alleged Confrontation and Impeachment Threat: It is speculated that the issue surrounding Justice Verma's removal led to a heated argument between the government and the Vice President. Dhankhar reportedly asserted his powers, while the government countered by "counting its MPs," hinting at a threat of impeachment. This situation might have prompted Dhankhar to resign immediately to "claim the moral high ground" and avoid further humiliation.

A Controversial Tenure as Rajya Sabha Chairman

Beyond his clashes with the judiciary, Dhankhar's legacy will largely be defined by his role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, where he was frequently accused of displaying a "confrontational attitude" and partisan bias against the opposition.

• He was criticized for scolding the opposition and accusing them of trying to "destabilize the entire nation" and "create chaos in the house" for merely asking questions, raising slogans, or making demands.
• During the 2023 Winter Session, when the opposition demanded that Prime Minister Modi address the Rajya Sabha regarding the situation in Manipur, Dhankhar stated he would not force the PM to attend, claiming it was the Prime Minister's discretion.
• He presided over a session where a record 150 MPs were suspended from both houses of Parliament in the Winter Session 2023, the highest number in India's democratic history.
• He criticized Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge for entering the Parliament's well, calling it a "blot on Parliament," to which Kharge responded that he had to enter the well to get the Chair's attention, as the Chair only faced the government.
• Dhankhar also engaged in public spats with opposition members, such as Kapil Sibal, who reminded him that a presiding officer in a democratic parliament does not interrupt members so frequently.
• He often came to the defense of the RSS, asserting its "unimpeachable credentials" and constitutional right to participate in national development.
• He made highly critical remarks about Rahul Gandhi, hinting that he was an "enemy of the nation".
• His most recent controversial statement involved the words "Socialist" and "Secular" in the Preamble of the Constitution, which he termed a "sacrilege to the spirit of Sanatan" and "nasoor" (a cancerous sore), claiming their addition during the Emergency signaled a "betrayal of the mindset of the framers of the Constitution". This statement reportedly even upset PM Modi, despite Modi's own recent focus on social service schemes.

These actions culminated in 60 INDIA bloc MPs moving a resolution to remove Dhankhar from his position in December, though it was dismissed on technical grounds. However, this "no-confidence motion" effectively marked the beginning of his "countdown".

Implications and the Road Ahead

Dhankhar's resignation is seen by some as another instance of the ruling party's "use and throw policy", suggesting that even loyalists are not immune to "bulldozer action" when the "Supreme Leader" is displeased. His exit underscores the delicate balance of power in Indian politics and the critical, though often ceremonial, role of the Vice President, especially as the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

The post of Vice President is highly significant for the next five years, as the person elected will control the narrative in the Rajya Sabha. As such, speculation about Dhankhar's successor is rife, with names like Nitin Gadkari and Rajnath Singh (backed by RSS), K. Laxman (close to RSS), and PM Modi's confidantes like Anandiben Patel (Governor of Uttar Pradesh and former Gujarat CM), and Harivansh Narayan Singh (Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha) being floated. Other names, including Nirmala Sitharaman, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Nitish Kumar, and even Shashi Tharoor, have been part of the speculative discussions. There is even a theory that making Rajnath Singh the Vice President could lead to Yogi Adityanath becoming the Defense Minister, potentially setting off a "chain reaction" of political realignments that could impact even Narendra Modi himself.

The exact reasons for Dhankhar's forced departure remain a subject of intense political speculation, whether it was due to the judge impeachment matter, praise for Yogi Adityanath, or simply "talking too much". His sudden exit serves as a stark reminder that in the high-stakes game of Indian politics, even those who appear secure can be abruptly removed from the chessboard, much like a pawn that has outlived its tactical utility in a complex strategic game.