PM Modi wishes Dhankhar good health after VP’s sudden resignation; Congress questions timing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday responded to the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who stepped down citing health reasons. In a post on X, Modi stated, “Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.”

Dhankhar, 74, submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu on Monday. In his letter, he wrote, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.” The resignation was accepted by the President, and the Ministry of Home Affairs later issued a notification formalising the development.

Jagdeep Dhankhar assumed office in August 2022 and was scheduled to complete his five-year term in August 2027. He also served as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. His resignation was tendered on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh raised questions over the timing of the resignation. He claimed that Dhankhar had chaired a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) at 12:30 PM on Monday, attended by several members including JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju, with plans to reconvene at 4:30 PM. According to Ramesh, the Vice President was not informed that Nadda and Rijiju would not attend the reconvened meeting.

BJP President JP Nadda responded to the claims, stating that both he and Rijiju had formally informed the Vice President’s office in advance about their inability to attend the 4:30 PM meeting. He denied the suggestion of any deliberate absence or deeper issue behind the resignation.