Opposition leaders push for a proper send-off after the former Vice President’s unexpected resignation and denied farewell speech
🔻 Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation Triggers Political Ripples
Opposition parties are planning a farewell dinner for former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, days after his unexpected resignation, according to sources. The 74-year-old, who cited health reasons for stepping down, was not given a chance to deliver a farewell speech—a point of contention raised by Opposition leaders in Parliament.
🗣️ No Farewell Speech: Opposition Raises Objection
- Mr Dhankhar did not deliver a farewell address in the Rajya Sabha, where he served as Chairman.
- The Opposition raised this concern during a Rajya Sabha Working Advisory Committee meeting, arguing that such a speech is customary and respectful for an outgoing Vice President.
🍽️ Opposition Organizes Farewell Dinner: Symbolic Gesture
To emphasize the issue, Opposition parties have reportedly invited Mr Dhankhar to a farewell dinner.
- Sources say the event is intended to serve as a symbolic send-off and a mark of protest over his denied speech.
- However, early indications suggest that Mr Dhankhar is unlikely to accept the invitation.
⚖️ Controversial Judicial Motion Sparked Political Fallout
Mr Dhankhar’s resignation followed a week of political tension linked to his role in a controversial judicial motion:
- As Rajya Sabha Chairman, he accepted a motion from Opposition MPs to begin removal proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma, a High Court judge under corruption investigation.
- The motion came after large amounts of cash were found at the judge’s residence.
The move surprised the government, which had been planning to initiate similar proceedings in the Lok Sabha to control the narrative.
🏛️ Government’s Immediate Response: Strategy and Counter-Move
- After Mr Dhankhar’s acceptance of the Opposition motion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed.
- A high-level meeting with senior ministers followed that evening.
- MPs were instructed to remain in Delhi and sign a counter-motion.
- Shortly after learning of the government’s response plan, Mr Dhankhar submitted his resignation.
🗳️ What’s Next: Vice Presidential Election Process Begins
- The Election Commission has appointed Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody as the Returning Officer for the upcoming Vice Presidential election.
- Under Article 68(2) of the Constitution, there is no fixed deadline, but the election must be held “as soon as possible” after a vacancy.
📌 Key Takeaways:
- Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation took both sides of Parliament by surprise.
- Opposition parties are demanding a proper farewell and organized a dinner as a gesture of respect and protest.
- His resignation came in the wake of political disagreement over a judicial removal motion.
- The process to elect a new Vice President is now underway.
Also Read : Did Dhankar’s comment on Modi’s retirement… ‘Dal mein kuch kaala’: does Kharge want Dhankar back on post ?
