Following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s surprise resignation as Vice President, former diplomat and two-time Vice President Hamid Ansari is once again being remembered for his unique achievements and lasting contributions to Indian politics and minority representation
NEW DELHI – In a sudden turn of events, Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday, July 21, citing health concerns. His resignation, which was formally accepted by the President of India on July 22, has set off a wave of speculation in political circles over who will be the next to hold the second-highest constitutional office in the country.
Amidst the guessing game and lobbying for the vacant post, one name from the past is once again making headlines: Mohammad Hamid Ansari. A two-time Vice President and respected diplomat, Ansari’s legacy is being remembered not only for his long and honourable service but also for his identity as a Muslim leader who reached one of the highest positions in Indian democracy twice.
Hamid Ansari, who served as Vice President from 2007 to 2017, remains the only Muslim leader to have been elected to the post twice. He served during a critical period in Indian politics and held the position with grace and dignity.
Ansari’s return to public discussion at this moment highlights the importance of representation of India’s minorities in top constitutional roles. Many Muslim voices feel that in recent years, the space for their participation has shrunk, making Ansari’s decade-long service all the more significant.
“Hamid Ansari sahab gave us hope. He was a symbol that Muslims can reach the top without compromising their identity,” said Imran Siddiqui, a political analyst based in Delhi.
Before entering politics, Hamid Ansari had a long and distinguished career as a diplomat. He served as India’s Ambassador to several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. His understanding of international relations and his calm demeanour made him a respected figure even beyond India’s borders.
“It is rare to find someone who carries both diplomatic wisdom and political patience. Hamid Ansari was that man,” said Dr Arfa Khanum, a senior journalist. “He brought dignity to the chair of Vice President and never compromised on constitutional values.”
One of Hamid Ansari’s most unique accomplishments was that he worked with three different Presidents during his two terms—APJ Abdul Kalam, Pratibha Patil, and Pranab Mukherjee. This made him the only Vice President after Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to serve two complete terms and work with three heads of state.
Ansari retired from office on 11 August 2017, after completing ten years. During his farewell speech, he had spoken openly about the growing atmosphere of intolerance in the country, particularly towards Muslims. His words had sparked debate at the time, but for many today, they feel more relevant than ever.
Hamid Ansari’s name has come to symbolise quiet resistance and principled leadership. At a time when many Muslim leaders have either been side-lined or silenced, Ansari stood out as someone who did not fear speaking the truth.
In his farewell interview, he said, “A sense of insecurity is creeping in among Muslims. They are feeling that their loyalty is being questioned.” These words still echo strongly among India’s Muslims, many of whom feel increasingly marginalised under the current political climate.
“He was not a loud man, but he had a strong moral compass. His speeches in the Rajya Sabha often reminded the ruling class of their duty to the Constitution,” said Prof. Khalid Anis Ansari, a social scientist.
Hamid Ansari was not the first Muslim Vice President. That honour goes to Dr. Zakir Hussain, who served from 1962 to 1967 before becoming the President of India. Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah also held the post from 1979 to 1984 and briefly served as acting President for just 35 days—the shortest period in Indian history.
However, it was Hamid Ansari who became the first and only Muslim to serve two complete terms as Vice President. He defeated BJP’s Najma Heptulla in 2007 and senior BJP leader Jaswant Singh in 2012, showing that a candidate with merit and integrity could still find support in Parliament.
Today, with the political scene becoming more polarised, his success seems like a distant dream. Many in the Muslim community remember him not just as a leader, but as a symbol of constitutional values and fairness.
Soon after Dhankhar’s resignation, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh met with the President. This meeting has stirred speculation that he could be a candidate for the post. But many in political and social circles are saying that this is the right time to think about representation and balance.
“Why not think of another Muslim for the Vice President’s post?” asks advocate Arshad Alam from Hyderabad. “We talk about unity, but where is it in power-sharing? Hamid Ansari is being remembered today because he stood for all Indians, not just Muslims.”
In today’s politically charged atmosphere, where hate speech, lynching, and communal polarisation have increased, remembering a man like Hamid Ansari becomes important. He reminds the country of a time when dissent was not crushed, and when leaders rose through competence, not through communal politics.
He also represents a time when Muslims were not merely seen as vote banks or “others” in their own land. His career is a clear example that Muslims have contributed immensely to the making of modern India—not just in arts and literature, but in diplomacy, governance, and law.
“People like Hamid Ansari remind us that Indian Muslims are not outsiders. We are part of the system and we have built this country,” said Najma Parveen, a student activist from Aligarh Muslim University.
As political parties prepare for the next Vice President election, several civil society voices have begun calling for a leader who represents the ideals of justice, inclusivity, and unity. For many, that means supporting a candidate from the Muslim community.
Some even say that Hamid Ansari, despite his age, remains an ideal figure to lead once again. While there is no official talk of his return, the fact that his name is being remembered so widely shows the impact he made on India’s political and social life.
“Leadership is not just about winning elections. It’s about carrying people along. That is what Hamid Ansari did,” said Syed Asad Ali, a political observer in Lucknow.
As India waits to see who will be the next Vice President, the remembrance of Hamid Ansari’s legacy is not just about nostalgia. It is about reminding the country of a time when the Constitution mattered more than communal votes. When a Muslim leader could rise on merit and serve with honour, grace, and courage.
His legacy is a reminder that Indian democracy is richer when it reflects all its citizens — not just the powerful, but also the minorities, the poor, and the voiceless. And in today’s polarised climate, such reminders are more important than ever.
