The sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing health reasons, has sent ripples through Indian politics, igniting speculation and prompting questions about the real reasons behind his departure. While Dhankhar's resignation letter, posted on the Vice President's X account, stated his decision to prioritize healthcare and follow medical advice, many within the political sphere are skeptical, suggesting deeper political motivations at play.
Reports indicate that the seeds of Dhankhar's exit may have been sown weeks prior to the announcement. Tensions between the Vice-President's office and the government had been simmering, culminating in his resignation after he acknowledged an opposition motion to remove a High Court Justice, a move that reportedly surprised the government. This incident followed the government's own efforts to impeach the judge, highlighting a growing rift. Dhankhar's assertive stance on judicial appointments and outspoken views on farmers' rights had also reportedly caused unease within the ruling party.
The events leading up to Dhankhar's resignation involved significant political maneuvering. Senior Union ministers gathered to discuss the situation, while NDA MPs from the Rajya Sabha were summoned to sign key notices. Dhankhar convened a meeting of the RS Business Advisory Committee, which was notably skipped by key government figures. MPs were later briefed about instances where Dhankhar had "crossed the line," criticizing the government or causing embarrassment.
The opposition has seized upon Dhankhar's resignation, demanding transparency and hinting at hidden motives. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that "the government should answer why he resigned" and that there is "something fishy" about the situation. Some opposition members pointed out that Dhankhar appeared to be in good health, contradicting the official explanation. The Prime Minister's delayed and terse response to the resignation further fueled speculation of a deeper rift.
Political analysts suggest several layers of speculation surrounding Dhankhar's exit. Some believe that Dhankhar's independent streak and differing opinions clashed with the government's agenda. Others suggest that the resignation reflects a pattern of intolerance towards dissent within the ruling party. The absence of a more gracious response from the government has also been noted, with some interpreting it as a sign of underlying tensions.
The future implications of Dhankhar's resignation remain uncertain. Some analysts believe that the key to unraveling the saga lies with Dhankhar himself, and whether he chooses to speak out about the real reasons behind his departure. His silence, on the other hand, may allow the resignation to be absorbed into the BJP's pattern of opaque governance. The resignation could also trigger a major overhaul within the BJP and the government.
