New Delhi, July 22 — In a dramatic turn of events, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from office late last evening, citing health reasons — but multiple sources suggest his sudden exit was triggered by a political confrontation with the Centre over the handling of a controversial judicial motion.
The resignation, announced via the official X handle of the Vice President at 9:25 pm, followed a heated exchange between Dhankhar and government officials, reportedly sparked by his acceptance of an Opposition-backed motion to initiate the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma. The judge has been in the spotlight following a massive cash seizure from his official residence.
According to insiders familiar with the developments, the acceptance of the motion by Dhankhar, who also serves as Rajya Sabha Chairman, took the Centre by surprise and disrupted the government’s plans to take the lead in addressing alleged judicial corruption. A phone call from senior figures in the Centre soon followed, which escalated into a tense exchange. Dhankhar, NDTV sources claim, pushed back firmly, asserting the authority vested in his constitutional office.
The confrontation reportedly prompted whispers of a fresh no-confidence motion — barely six months after the Opposition’s earlier attempt — this time allegedly with backing from the ruling establishment. In a strategic move, Dhankhar, a seasoned political figure, is believed to have stepped down to avoid a public ouster.
In his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar wrote:
“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution… I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency, the Honourable President of India for her unwavering support…”
He also thanked the Prime Minister, members of the Council of Ministers, and all Members of Parliament for their cooperation and affection.
While the official reason remains “health-related,” the resignation has sent political circles into overdrive. Speculation intensified after it emerged there would be no farewell address from the Vice President, further fuelling doubts over the real reasons behind the move.
Senior Congress leaders have termed the resignation “inexplicable,” while some pointed to friction during yesterday’s Rajya Sabha proceedings. Notably, Leader of the House JP Nadda’s remark — “only what I say will go on record” — during Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s address, was seen by some as a slight to the Chair.
Adding to the tensions, Nadda and Law Minister Kiren Rijiju were absent from a 4:30 pm meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, chaired by Dhankhar. Their absence reportedly displeased the Vice President. However, Nadda denied any disrespect, explaining that both he and Rijiju had prior parliamentary commitments and had informed the Vice President’s office accordingly. He also clarified that his controversial remark was aimed at disruptive MPs, not at the Chair.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, reacting to the resignation, said: “Only the Vice President or the government knows the real reason. We have nothing to add.”
Ten days ago, the 74-year-old Dhankhar had said he would serve out his full term till August 2027 — “subject to divine intervention.” His sudden exit, now attributed by some to a deeper institutional rift, marks one of the most high-profile and politically sensitive resignations in recent years.
