Article Today, New Delhi: In a dramatic political development, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhad tendered his resignation late Monday evening, sparking intense speculation in political circles. Sources indicate growing differences with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the prime reason behind the unexpected move. The fallout over the Justice Yashwant Varma impeachment issue appears to have reached a tipping point, pushing Dhankhad to step down rather than bow to pressure. Senior analysts describe this moment as a major crack in the Modi-era political structure.
Justice Varma Case Triggered Showdown
The immediate cause of the conflict appears to be Dhankhad’s handling of the Justice Yashwant Varma case. The BJP wanted impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma to originate in the Lok Sabha. However, Dhankhad, in his capacity as Rajya Sabha Chairman, allowed the Opposition to take the lead in raising the matter in the Upper House. This decision, reportedly taken without consultation with senior government leaders, is said to have irked the
Prime Minister deeply. According to political insiders, Modi responded by directing party MPs to move a no-confidence motion against Dhankhad. Rather than wait for that confrontation, Dhankhad resigned, signalling his unwillingness to compromise his autonomy.
Consultation with Congress Adds Fuel to Fire
Government sources allege that Dhankhad consulted a senior Congress leader before finalising his stand on the impeachment notice. This act, viewed as a breach of trust by the ruling establishment, reportedly further strained ties between Dhankhad and Modi. The government interpreted his moves as aligning too closely with the Opposition at a sensitive political moment, especially ahead of key legislative sessions.
Crossing the Line of Constitutional Conduct?
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram commented that Dhankhar’s exit reflects the central leadership’s discomfort with any dissent. He noted that the Modi government tolerates only those who follow instructions. Dhankhar had previously raised questions over the government’s stance on minimum support price (MSP) for farmers and openly criticised Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. His remarks on the judiciary and actions favouring the Opposition in Parliament were seen as defying the ruling party’s expectations. Many within the BJP believe Dhankhar had crossed an unstated ‘Lakshman Rekha’ and needed to be sidelined.
Sudden Resignation Without Prior Notice
What has further surprised observers is the abrupt manner of Dhankhar’s resignation. There was no official schedule or prior intimation. He arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan around 9 PM on Monday and handed over his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu. Within thirty minutes, he posted the same letter on his official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) account. His unannounced visit reportedly startled Rashtrapati Bhavan staff, adding to speculation that the resignation was a spur-of-the-moment decision taken under pressure.
Uncertainty Ahead as Void Emerges
Dhankhar’s resignation leaves a crucial constitutional office vacant at a time when Parliament is preparing for key discussions. The political establishment is now divided—some see the move as a bold act of conscience, others call it a rebellious misstep. Either way, the episode has exposed growing friction within the highest levels of government. The coming days are likely to witness intense debate over not just the resignation, but also the broader implications for India’s democratic institutions.
