Vice President Dhankhar Resigns: Absence of Key Ministers at BAC Meeting Sparks Political Storm

In a move that has sent ripples across India's political landscape, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation late Monday evening, citing medical reasons. The decision, both sudden and unexpected, comes amid rising political speculation over recent events in Parliament-particularly a key Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting marked by the conspicuous absence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju.

Opposition Links Resignation to Ministerial Snub

The Congress party was quick to connect Dhankhar's resignation to his reported displeasure over the absence of senior ministers at the BAC meeting. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who was present at the meeting, claimed that members had waited for Nadda and Rijiju, but neither arrived. He also asserted that the Vice President was not personally informed of their absence.

"It waited for Shri Nadda and Shri Rijiju to arrive. They never came," Ramesh stated. "Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar was not personally informed that the two senior Ministers were not attending." He further suggested that "something happened between 1 pm and 4:30 pm" on Monday that led to the boycott, adding fuel to speculation about tensions within the government ranks.

Government Responds

In response, BJP President JP Nadda clarified that both he and Rijiju had pressing parliamentary responsibilities and had informed the Vice President's office in advance. "We did not attend the 4:30 PM meeting because we were occupied with important parliamentary work," he explained.

Nadda's remarks in the Rajya Sabha-"Nothing will go on record, only what I say will go on record"-were also interpreted by some as directed toward the Vice President. However, Nadda insisted the comment was aimed at interrupting opposition MPs, not at Dhankhar.

A Tumultuous Tenure

Jagdeep Dhankhar assumed office in August 2022 and was slated to serve until 2027. His term as Chairman of Rajya Sabha was marked by frequent clashes with the Opposition. At one point, a motion was moved seeking his removal, though it was ultimately rejected by Deputy Chairman Harivansh.

Ironically, Dhankhar presided over proceedings on the very day of his resignation, participating in debates and showing no visible signs of distress. His involvement in the Justice Yashwant Varma impeachment motion discussion appeared routine, making his resignation even more shocking.

A Rare Precedent

Dhankhar is now only the third Vice President in Indian history to resign before completing his term-following VV Giri and R Venkataraman, both of whom stepped down to contest for the Presidency. In Dhankhar's case, however, no such ambition was publicly known.