The Congress party has expressed shock and disbelief over the sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who cited medical reasons for his departure. The resignation, which came on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, has been termed "inexplicable" by some Congress leaders, who are urging Dhankhar to reconsider his decision.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh conveyed his surprise, noting that he had been with Dhankhar earlier in the day and had spoken to him by phone shortly before the announcement. While acknowledging that Dhankhar's health should be a priority, Ramesh suggested that there might be more to the resignation than meets the eye. "The sudden resignation of the Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is as shocking as it is inexplicable," Ramesh stated. "No doubt Mr. Dhankar has to give topmost priority to his health. But clearly there is far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye".

Ramesh highlighted Dhankhar's active role and upcoming engagements, including a scheduled Business Advisory Committee meeting and significant announcements related to the judiciary. He also commended Dhankhar for his balanced approach as Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, noting that he held both the government and the opposition accountable.

The Congress has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and persuade Dhankhar to reverse his decision, arguing that it would be in the nation's interest. Ramesh specifically mentioned that the farming community would be greatly relieved if Dhankhar remained in office.

Other reactions from the opposition have echoed the sentiment of surprise. CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar stated that the resignation was unexpected and that the reasons behind it were unknown. He speculated that Dhankhar might be dissatisfied with certain developments.

In contrast, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal urged acceptance of Dhankhar's stated health reasons for resigning. He described Dhankhar as a patriot and one of the most active and engaging Chairmen the Rajya Sabha has seen. Sibal also acknowledged his good relationship with Dhankhar, despite their differing ideologies. "We have to accept that and move forward," Sibal said. "Personally, I did not feel nice. I had very good ties with him. There was no ill-feeling".

Dhankhar, who assumed office as Vice President in 2022, submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, citing the need to prioritize his health and abide by medical advice. His resignation is effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution. In his resignation letter, Dhankhar expressed gratitude to the President, Prime Minister, and members of Parliament for their support during his tenure and said, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately”.

With the Vice President's post now vacant, the Election Commission is expected to initiate the process of electing a new occupant. The Constitution mandates that the vacancy must be filled as soon as possible.