EC Announces Schedule For Vice President's Election After Dhankhar's Exit, Voting On September 9

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the date of polling for the vice-presidential election after Jagdeep Dhankhar's unexpected resignation. The deadline for filing nominations is August 21. This announcement was made through a notification issued by the ECI.

Jagdeep Dhankhar, who served as Vice President, often clashed with the opposition in the Rajya Sabha. He described himself as a "reluctant politician" and frequently addressed issues related to the separation of powers with the Judiciary.

Dhankhar's Political Journey

Dhankhar's political career began with associations with the Janata Dal and Congress before joining BJP in 2008. His surprise appointment as West Bengal governor in 2019 brought him back into political focus. He often engaged in disputes with the state's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

As Vice President and Chair of the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar had frequent verbal exchanges not only with TMC but also other opposition parties. He particularly targeted top lawyers who were Rajya Sabha members from opposition parties like Congress.

Resignation and Its Aftermath

The 74-year-old leader resigned from his post citing medical reasons after an eventful day in Rajya Sabha under his chairmanship. Earlier this month, he mentioned at an event that he would retire at the "right time," subject to "divine interventions."

His resignation came nearly two years before his term was to end, following surprising developments in Rajya Sabha. An opposition-sponsored notice for a motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma was submitted to him, which he mentioned in the House.

Controversies and Criticisms

Dhankhar will be remembered as the only vice president against whom a removal notice was brought by the opposition for "partisan" conduct as chairman of the Upper House. Despite this notice being rejected by Deputy Chair Harivansh, Dhankhar dismissed it as a "rusted" vegetable-cutting knife used for bypass surgery.

A lawyer by profession, Dhankhar took on the Judiciary over separation of powers issues. He criticized the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, which aimed to replace the collegium system for appointing judges.

Legacy and Impact

Dhankhar's tenure saw him championing Other Backward Classes' causes, including granting OBC status to Rajasthan's Jat community. His lively public appearances continued despite health concerns earlier this year when he was admitted to AIIMS for a few days.

He is one of three Indian Vice Presidents who resigned during their tenure; V V Giri and R Venkataraman resigned to contest presidential elections. His abrupt resignation followed a day of unexpected developments in Rajya Sabha that surprised many within government circles.

The ruling alliance faced a setback when an opposition-sponsored notice similar to one in Lok Sabha was submitted against Justice Yashwant Varma. This development caught both sides off guard amidst ongoing political dynamics.