Shock exit: Dhankhar quits as VP on first day of Parl session
NEW DELHI: It was business as usual till around 4pm for Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. He presided over the opening day of the monsoon session of Rajya Sabha and attended a meeting of the business advisory committee of the House.
At 3.53pm, a govt statement said the VP would be visiting Jaipur on Wednesday.
Such a trip, while Parliament is in session, would have raised eyebrows. A few hours later, Dhankhar dropped a bombshell, abruptly announcing his resignation with immediate effect two years before his tumultous term was to end. "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," he wrote in his letter to President Droupadi Murmu.
A shock exit
The move immediately set off speculation about the real trigger, with many wondering as to the nature of the medical condition that necessitated his quitting the constitutional position, second only to the President in protocol.
Few were convinced about the health explanation, particularly given that those who visited him in recent months detected signs that he was less than happy, even as he made it a point to swear by the present political leadership.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years
IC Markets
Learn More
Undo
He underwent a cardiac procedure at AIIMS in March after he complained of uneasiness. On June 25, he had fainted while delivering a speech at Nainital. But he seemed to be in fine fettle on Monday, making his trademark interventions and betraying no sign of the graveness he invoked to explain his exit.
Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in Aug 2022 and his tenure was till 2027.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
43 minutes ago
- India Today
What led to Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation? Experts weigh in
This edition of India First covers the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as the Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, citing health reasons. The resignation has sparked a political controversy, with the opposition alleging underlying issues beyond health concerns. Speculation suggests friction with the government, particularly after Dhankhar's outspoken comments on farm protests and his acceptance of an opposition-led impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma. Dhankhar's resignation came shortly after he declared his intention to serve until 2027. The programme debates whether the resignation was due to health issues or political fallout. Additionally, the broadcast reports on the busting of a major religious conversion racket with arrests in Agra and Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, revealing links to terror outfits and foreign funding. It also covers the planned retirement of the Indian Air Force's MiG-21 fighter jets in September 2025.
India Today
43 minutes ago
- India Today
Was Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation voluntary or forced? Experts debate on Rajdeep Sardesai's show
In this episode of News Today, the focus is on the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who cited health reasons for stepping down two years before his term's end. The move has ignited a political controversy, with speculation that his decision to admit an opposition-backed impeachment motion notice against Justice Yashwant Varma led to a fallout with the Modi government. The opposition has questioned the circumstances of the resignation, which came on the first day of the Monsoon session. So, was Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation voluntary or was he eased out? Watch as panellists debate this and more on Rajdeep Sardesai's show.
United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
LS adjourned for second day amid continued ruckus by Opposition
New Delhi, July 22 (UNI) The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the second consecutive day today without any proceedings, following persistent disruptions by Opposition parties. As soon as the House re-assembled at 2 pm, Opposition members trooped into the well of the House, holding placards and shouting slogans. Presiding officer Dilip Saikia urged the agitating members to go back to their seats and let the House function. But the sloganeering by the protesting members continued. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju while condemning the action of the Opposition said, '"It was decided in the meeting that 'Operation Sindoor' would be discussed first, and a specific time has been allotted for it. How can all issues be addressed simultaneously?" He further said that the members protesting with placards is not acceptable. 'In the Business Advisory Committee we have said that the government is ready to discuss. But they (Opposition) don't want to run the House'. 'You waste crores of tax payers' money by disrupting the House,' Rijiju slammed the Opposition. But the Opposition ruckus continued and the Chair adjourned the House till 11 AM on Wednesday. Earlier, the zero hour was disrupted, leading to the adjournment of the House until 2 pm. When the proceedings resumed at 12 noon following the first adjournment, Opposition members entered the well of the House, shouting slogans and causing an uproar. After the papers were laid on the table, presiding officer Jagdambika called for the zero hour. Opposition members raised slogan, demanding discussion on SIR (Special Intensive Review) and other issues and trooped into the well of the House. Pal informed the members that, based on their demand, the Business Advisory Committee has agreed to discuss Operation Sindoor for 16 hours. Therefore, members of all parties should remain seated and participate in the House proceedings. He said that the government is willing to discuss any issue raised by the Opposition, but they did not listen to him and continued to create ruckus. Meanwhile, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal assured the members that the government is ready to hold discussions on all issues. Jagdambika Pal also stated that instead of displaying placards and shouting slogans, members should cooperate in the smooth functioning of the House. As the uproar intensified, he adjourned the proceedings of the House until 2 pm. UNI RBE PRS
