Jagdeep Dhankhar makes first public appearance after resignation at new Veep's oath ceremony

Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar made his first public appearance on Friday since his sudden resignation from the post in July of this year. Dhankhar was a notable attendee at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Vice President, CP Radhakrishnan, an event that marked a significant moment of transition in the country's political landscape. His presence at the ceremony was widely noted, as it was his first return to the public eye following his unexpected departure from the high office.

The oath-taking ceremony was held with full official protocol at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office and secrecy to CP Radhakrishnan. The event was a high-profile affair, with many of the nation's top political leaders and dignitaries in attendance to witness the change of guard in the Vice President's office.

In a show of continuity and political camaraderie, other former vice presidents, including Venkaiah Naidu and Hamid Ansari, were also present to welcome their new colleague. The ceremony was also graced by the presence of key figures from the government and the ruling party, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP president JP Nadda, among other senior officials.

Dhankhar’s appearance was particularly significant given the circumstances of his departure. He had unexpectedly resigned from his position on the very first day of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 21. His resignation had come as a surprise to many, as he had not previously indicated any plans to leave his post prematurely.

At the time of his resignation, Dhankhar had cited health concerns as the reason for his decision. In his resignation letter, he stated, "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the constitution." The letter highlighted the personal nature of his decision to step down from the constitutional post.

In a gracious gesture, Dhankhar had also expressed his gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu in his resignation letter. He thanked her for her "unwavering support and the soothing wonderful working relationship" they had shared during his tenure. His attendance at the ceremony served as a positive final public act of his time in office, demonstrating a smooth and respectful transition of power.