Dhankhar's Sudden Exit: What Really Happened Between 1 and 4:30 PM? Opposition Smells a Deeper Plot

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's unexpected resignation on Monday evening left many puzzled. Officially, he cited health reasons, but opposition leaders suggest there might be more to the story. The day's events between 1 pm and 4:30 pm seem to have transformed a routine day into an extraordinary one.

Dhankhar, who took office in August 2022, was expected to serve until 2027. His resignation announcement at 9:25 pm caught everyone off guard. Despite citing health issues, opposition members noted that he appeared well throughout the day and did not hint at any health problems.

Parliament Session Developments

The first day of the monsoon session of Parliament unfolded as anticipated with its usual disruptions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media outside Parliament, emphasising unity on national interests. The session saw adjournments and walkouts as opposition leaders voiced their grievances.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, claimed he was silenced while ministers were given time to speak. Key issues discussed included Justice Yashwant Varma's impeachment and Operation Sindoor in Bihar.

Dhankhar's Role and Resignation

Dhankhar was actively involved in meetings throughout the day. He chaired the Business Advisory Committee and met with opposition leaders without showing signs of ill health or plans to resign. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh expressed shock over Dhankhar's sudden decision.

"No doubt Mr Dhankar has to give topmost priority to his health. But clearly there is far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye," Ramesh posted on X.

Justice Varma Motion Controversy

The Rajya Sabha adjourned around 4:36 pm after Dhankhar confirmed receiving a motion signed by over 50 members seeking Justice Varma's removal under the Judges (Inquiry) Act. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal informed him of a similar motion in the Lok Sabha.

The motion in Lok Sabha had bipartisan support with signatures from 152 MPs, including BJP members, while Rajya Sabha's motion was solely from opposition members. This acceptance might have caused some concern.

Nadda and Rijiju's Absence

The absence of BJP leader JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju from a crucial meeting at 4:30 pm reportedly upset Dhankhar. Both attended an earlier meeting at 12:30 pm but were absent later, represented instead by Union Minister L Murugan.

Congress MP Vivek Tankha remarked that something significant happened between these meetings that may have disturbed both Dhankhar and the government.

Speculations Around Resignation

Some speculate that Dhankhar's actions regarding Justice Varma might have clashed with government interests. The judiciary believes it should handle Justice Varma's case independently without external interference.

A Supreme Court bench recently refused an urgent hearing on a petition against Justice Varma, highlighting judicial independence concerns. Government sources suggested Dhankhar admitted the motion without consulting them.

Official Statement and Reactions

"To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice-President of India," Dhankhar wrote to President Draupadi Murmu. A post from his Secretariat indicated travel plans for July 23, suggesting a quick decision-making process.

Jairam Ramesh mentioned calling Dhankhar at 7:30 pm when he was reportedly discussing health issues with family. "Something very serious happened yesterday between 1 PM and 4:30 PM," Ramesh posted online.

The exact reasons behind Dhankhar's resignation remain unclear, but developments hint at possible factors influencing his decision. While clarity may take time to emerge, these events provide insight into what turned an ordinary day into an extraordinary evening.

Jagdeep Dhankhar's Resignation: A Timeline of Events

July 21, 12:30 PM: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar chairs a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee; it is decided the panel will reconvene at 4:30 PM.

2:00 PM: Dhankhar accepts an Opposition-backed motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma, reportedly upsetting the government.

4:07 PM: Dhankhar informs the Rajya Sabha that the motion has been formally accepted.

4:30 PM: The Business Advisory Committee meets again, but no government representative is present. The meeting is deferred.

5:00 PM: Congress leaders call on the Vice-President, followed by another meeting with Opposition MPs.

9:25 PM: Dhankhar shocks the political establishment by announcing his resignation via the official Vice-President's handle on X.

July 22, 12:00 PM: President Droupadi Murmu formally accepts his resignation.