A look at the key flashpoints during Jagdeep Dhankhar’s controversial tenure as Vice President that led to his unexpected resignation.
Dhankhar’s Sudden Exit Sparks Political Ripples
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on Monday marked the end of a turbulent three-year tenure often marred by controversies and political flashpoints. His decision came shortly after he accepted an opposition-backed motion to impeach Justice Yashwant Varma – a move that blindsided the ruling BJP, which had already introduced a similar motion in the Lok Sabha.
What made the resignation even more dramatic was Dhankhar’s decision to act without informing the government, despite his awareness of the ruling party’s ongoing efforts. According to a leading news agency, the government saw this as a breach of trust and political protocol, prompting urgent discussions and ultimately leading to his abrupt resignation letter posted at 9:25 PM on social media.
Instances Where Dhankhar ‘Crossed the Line’
Sources within the government pointed to several episodes where the Vice President “crossed the Lakshman Rekha”, creating friction with the ruling establishment.
1. Justice Yashwant Varma Impeachment Motion
- Dhankhar accepted an opposition-sponsored impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma.
- The ruling BJP had already drafted its own motion with cross-party support for the Lok Sabha.
- His unilateral decision undermined the government’s strategy and was seen as a challenge to its leadership on judicial accountability.
2. Raghav Chadha Suspension Controversy
Ending Suspension Prematurely
- In December 2023, the Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee found AAP MP Raghav Chadha guilty of misleading the media and violating House rules.
- Despite this, Dhankhar ended Chadha’s suspension early, citing 114 days as “sufficient punishment,” a move that irritated the government.
The Bungalow Dispute
- Chadha, a first-time MP, was allotted a bungalow above his entitled status.
- When the allotment was cancelled, he refused to vacate and sought legal recourse.
- The Rajya Sabha Secretariat’s appeal against Chadha was stalled after Dhankhar’s office delayed eviction, allowing the matter to remain in court.
3. Clashes with the Opposition
- As Vice President, Dhankhar often clashed with opposition parties, initially being accused of favoring the BJP by curbing their voice in Parliament.
- However, his recent shift in approach, allowing Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to criticize the BJP over “Operation Sindoor,” caused discomfort within the ruling party.
- Dhankhar even suggested engaging opposition leaders directly, prompting BJP President JP Nadda to publicly contradict him – a rare move that highlighted internal discord.
4. Supporting Farmers’ Concerns
- Coming from a farming background, Dhankhar openly questioned the government on unresolved farmers’ protests over Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- In December, he asked Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan pointedly: “What was promised to the farmer? Why has it not been fulfilled? Movements continue year after year… the wheel of time is turning.”
- He also urged for inflation-adjusted subsidies for farmers, similar to financial benefits enjoyed by MPs, angering sections of the ruling party.
5. Remarks on the Judiciary
- Earlier this month, Dhankhar called for a criminal probe into the alleged cash recovery from Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence.
- In a Shakespearean tone, he warned the judiciary to “beware the Ides of March,” a cryptic remark that sparked debate within legal and political circles.
Political Fallout and Resignation
These repeated instances of independent action and public criticism gradually strained Dhankhar’s relationship with the government. His acceptance of the impeachment motion against Justice Varma – without prior consultation – became the tipping point.
After high-level consultations among senior ministers, Dhankhar’s resignation was shared on social media and formally sent to President Droupadi Murmu, citing health reasons.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished him good health and acknowledged his service, opposition leaders questioned the real reasons behind his exit, calling for more transparency.
The Larger Message
Dhankhar’s resignation has left an institutional void at the Rajya Sabha and raised questions about the limits of a Vice President’s independence. It highlights the fragile balance between constitutional authority and political alignment, a debate that is likely to shape future appointments to the high office.
Also Read : Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Sudden Resignation: Inside the Political Rift That Led to His Exit
