Was Jagdeep Dhankhar Ignored? Absence of Ministers at Meeting Sparks Resignation Speculation

In a move that caught both the government and the Opposition off guard, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar submitted his resignation on the very first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. While he cited health reasons as the motive behind his exit, the political landscape is abuzz with speculation, particularly due to the noticeable absence of key ministers at a crucial meeting he chaired earlier that day.

Sudden Exit Catches Everyone by Surprise

Dhankhar’s resignation was not only abrupt but also unexpected. Just hours before stepping down, he had participated in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting of the Rajya Sabha and had presided over proceedings in the Upper House. There had even been official confirmation of his scheduled travel to Jaipur the following day, making his decision even more puzzling.

In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar stated that he was stepping down due to medical concerns and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet, and members of Parliament for their support during his nearly three-year term as Vice President.

Ministers’ Absence Raises Eyebrows

The situation took a curious turn when several high-ranking ministers—most notably BJP President JP Nadda and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju—did not attend the BAC meeting chaired by Dhankhar. Their absence led to speculation that the Vice President might have been sidelined or deliberately ignored, contributing to his sudden decision to resign.

This no-show has added weight to the theory that Dhankhar’s resignation might not have been purely health-related but potentially triggered by internal political disagreements or personal dissatisfaction with how he was being treated.

BJP Denies Any Rift

Amidst mounting rumours, the BJP was quick to respond. JP Nadda dismissed any link between his absence from the meeting and Dhankhar’s resignation. He categorically denied suggestions of internal friction or disrespect, insisting that the resignation and the meeting attendance were unrelated events. The BJP termed the speculation “unfounded and politically motivated.”

Opposition Demands Answers

The Congress party called the resignation “shocking” and “deeply concerning.” Senior party leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the timing and lack of clarity, urging Prime Minister Modi to personally intervene and request Dhankhar to reconsider. Congress claimed that the resignation pointed to something more significant than what was being disclosed publicly.

Rajasthan Congress Sees Political Undercurrent

Further intensifying the debate, Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasara alleged that Dhankhar was being pushed aside within his own party for expressing concern over farmers’ issues and other grassroots problems. According to Dotasara, the resignation wasn’t just about health—it reflected growing dissatisfaction within the BJP and neglect of internal dissent.

Old Video Resurfaces, Fuels More Questions

Adding to the controversy, a past video clip of Dhankhar went viral shortly after his resignation. In the footage, Dhankhar mentions a plan to resign in 2027, citing “divine intervention” as a possible reason. The resurfacing of the video has prompted many to wonder if his resignation was a premeditated decision, or if recent developments merely accelerated it.

A Controversial Tenure Ends

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s political journey as Vice President came after a highly contentious term as Governor of West Bengal, where he frequently clashed with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. His tenure was marked by strong public disagreements and accusations of overreach. These past confrontations had already made him a polarizing figure in Indian politics.

Now, with his abrupt departure, the post of Rajya Sabha Chairman lies vacant. The ruling NDA government will need to act quickly to fill the position, manage internal dynamics, and maintain political stability ahead of critical legislative sessions.

Conclusion: A Resignation or a Reflection of Deeper Rifts?

While the official reason behind Dhankhar’s resignation remains “health concerns,” the circumstances surrounding it—especially the conspicuous absence of senior ministers at a key meeting—have raised several unanswered questions. Is it a case of genuine medical necessity, or does it signal deeper issues within the political framework of the ruling party?

As Parliament navigates the Monsoon Session without a sitting Vice President, both the BJP and the Opposition remain on alert, waiting to see what this unexpected development could mean for the months ahead.