Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Attends CP Radhakrishnan's Oath-Taking Ceremony

Jagdeep Dhankhar, the former Vice President of India, made his first public appearance since stepping down in July due to health issues. He attended the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, CP Radhakrishnan, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This event marked a significant moment as Dhankhar had been out of the public eye since his unexpected resignation on July 21.

During the ceremony, Dhankhar was seated prominently in the front row alongside Venkaiah Naidu, another former vice president. The two were seen engaged in conversation. Hamid Ansari, also a former vice president, was seated next to Naidu. Sudesh Dhankhar, Jagdeep's wife, accompanied him to the event.

CP Radhakrishnan's Oath-Taking Ceremony

The oath-taking ceremony took place in Durbar Hall with President Droupadi Murmu officiating. CP Radhakrishnan was sworn in as India's 15th Vice President. Wearing a red kurta, the 67-year-old leader took his oath in English. His election earlier this week saw him secure a decisive victory over opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy by 152 votes.

Radhakrishnan brings over three decades of public service experience to his new role as Rajya Sabha Chairman. His election is seen as significant for both the BJP and Indian politics at large.

Political Reactions and Attendance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP president JP Nadda were present at the ceremony. Former vice presidents Hamid Ansari and Venkaiah Naidu also attended. The event drew attention not only for Radhakrishnan's swearing-in but also for Dhankhar's reappearance.

Dhankhar's absence from public life after his resignation raised questions from opposition parties during Parliament's monsoon session. Parties like Trinamool Congress and Congress expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding his departure. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi notably questioned Dhankhar's whereabouts by asking, "Where has the old VP gone?"

The ceremony highlighted both a transition in leadership and ongoing political discourse surrounding Dhankhar's sudden exit from office.