Centre knows reason, should explain what changed: Cong on Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation
NEW DELHI — The sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on health grounds has sent shockwaves through the political corridors of Delhi, with leaders across party lines expressing concern for his well-being while raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his decision.
Dhankhar, who served as the 14th Vice President of India since August 2022, stepped down on July 21, 2025 — the very first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
His departure has not only surprised everyone but has also provided fresh ammunition to the Opposition, many of whom see the move as politically loaded.
While the official reason cited was health, several opposition leaders are unconvinced.
Congress on Tuesday said that only the Central government and Jagdeep Dhankhar know the real reason behind the latter’s resignation from the post of Vice President of India and demanded an explanation from the government over the same.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress National President, Mallikarjun Kharge, told reporters, “We have nothing to do with the reasons behind it. The government knows. We have no intention to comment on it because it is their decision; whether to accept it or not is entirely up to the government. We have nothing to do with it.”
Congress MP and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi also questioned why the Centre did not issue any statement following the sudden resignation.
Speaking to IANS, he said, “I pray for the good health of the Vice President. However, the way this all happened makes it clear that the Centre did not have any idea about this. What all changed between the Centre and the Vice President? Yesterday, the Union Ministers did not attend the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, and today also, there is no statement from the Prime Minister.”
“What changed in the relationship between the Centre and the Vice President that no coordination is being seen between the two. What will happen next? No one is clear about it. That is why we want an explanation from the government,” he added.
Speaking to IANS, Congress MP Imran Masood said, “His resignation raises serious questions. He was active throughout the day, attending all scheduled events, and suddenly resigned in the evening. This doesn’t appear to be about health. There’s something more to it.”
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh termed the move “shocking and unfortunate” for the Upper House and Indian politics.
“He looked completely fine when I met him just yesterday. He presided over the House efficiently. I don’t know what’s going on, but this doesn’t add up,” Singh told IANS.
Independent MP from Purnia, Pappu Yadav, launched a direct attack on the BJP, accusing the party of pushing Dhankhar to the edge.
“The BJP doesn’t care about the Constitution or democratic values. Dhankhar ji conducted himself impartially, and that didn’t sit well with many in power,” he alleged.
Referring to BJP chief J.P. Nadda’s “Nothing will go on record; only what I say will go on record; you should know that” remark during the Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s speech, Yadav said, “That insult to the Chair hurt him deeply. This has nothing to do with his health.”
Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav, however, took a cautious stance, stating, “He resigned citing health reasons, and I have nothing more to add. I can’t read between the lines.”
Senior Congress leader Udit Raj said that he prays for Dhankhar’s long and healthy life but questioned the timing.
“Why now? Why on the first day of such a crucial session? The Prime Minister must intervene and ask him to reconsider,” he told IANS.
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat also praised Dhankhar’s tenure, calling it “praiseworthy,” but added, “In politics, nothing is truly unexpected; it’s always well-planned. In the BJP, decisions are taken by only two people — it’s not a democratic setup.”
On July 16, 2022, the BJP announced Dhankhar as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for Vice President. In the Vice Presidential election held on August 6, 2022, Dhankhar defeated opposition candidate Margaret Alva with 528 out of 710 valid votes, securing 74.37 per cent — the highest margin of victory since 1992.
As Vice President, Dhankhar also served as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, where he presided over several key legislative sessions. Known for his strict adherence to parliamentary rules and no-nonsense approach, he was both respected and contested in equal measure across party lines.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, a seasoned politician and constitutional expert, was seen by many as a firm yet fair presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
His resignation, timed with the beginning of the Monsoon Session, has triggered speculation. — IANS
