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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
The outspoken Jagdeep Dhankhar must break silence on his resignation
The circumstances surrounding the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice President of India, the second-highest constitutional office in the country, are fraught: It comes when there are two years still to go in his five-year tenure, and at the end of an eventful first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which is likely to see the House take up an array of important issues, beginning with Operation Sindoor and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar that has run into controversy. The Monday night announcement of Dhankhar's exit came virtually mid-sentence, with no evidence of consultation or discussion having preceded it — he had scheduled a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee for Tuesday afternoon, and on Wednesday a one-day official visit to Jaipur. The stated reason for the resignation is 'to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice' — if true, that would leave no space for loose ends, only for a nation's best wishes. But coming as abruptly as it does, and given the conspicuous silence of the government and ruling party — except for the Prime Minister's strikingly terse tweet on someone he had earlier described effusively as 'kisan putra' while announcing his candidature for V-P — the unavoidable impression is of a withholding. That impression is distinctly at odds with Dhankhar's own record and personality. The lawyer who began his political career with a Lok Sabha election from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan on a Janata Dal ticket in 1989, joined the BJP in 2003, was appointed governor of West Bengal in 2019 and rose to the position of Vice President in 2022 is known for an outspokenness that has, at times, pushed at constitutionally laid-out red lines. As West Bengal Governor, Dhankhar earned a reputation for conducting himself as a one-man Opposition to the Mamata Banerjee government. The Raj Bhawan's run-ins with the elected chief minister were in-your-face and frequent, on issues ranging from law and order and post-poll violence to charges of corruption. As V-P, he has spoken his mind in ways that have regularly ranged him against the Opposition and also the Judiciary. He is the only V-P against whom the Opposition took the unprecedented step of bringing a no-confidence motion, accusing him of 'partisan conduct' and of being a 'spokesperson' for the government. He has made it a habit to take on the judiciary in ways that are seen to undermine the principle of separation of powers — be it his criticism of the SC ruling on the NJAC, his making a case for overriding the 'basic structure' doctrine and advocacy of Parliament's sovereignty, or most recently, in the context of cash being found at a judge's residence, the Court's alleged lack of accountability. On some of these issues, especially the black box that judicial accountability seems to be locked up in, he surely hit many a nail on its head. But even as Dhankhar has invited criticism for his interventions while occupying constitutional office, he eludes glib type-casting. Despite their many confrontations in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee's TMC supported his election as V-P by abstaining. After his resignation, prominent Opposition leaders have spoken of him respectfully and warmly. He owes it to the place he has created in a polarised polity, as a man unafraid to provoke, as someone who can spring a surprise, to dispel the opacity that surrounds his mid-term departure. For the dignity of his office and his own tradition of speaking up, Dhankhar should break the silence.
United News of India
8 hours ago
- Politics
- 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
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh steps in amid void
Following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation, the Rajya Sabha is now under the stewardship of Deputy Chairman Harivansh during the Monsoon session. On Tuesday, proceedings were disrupted by opposition demands for debates, leading to adjournments. Harivansh is set to address pending issues and schedule a debate on Operation Sindoor after consulting with key leaders and the Business Advisory Committee. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Delhi: With Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar 's resignation, the Rajya Sabha is now without its chairman, placing the responsibility of steering the House on deputy chairman Harivansh during the Monsoon session-until a new Vice-President is Tuesday, Harivansh presided over the Upper House, which saw two adjournments amid opposition sloganeering demanding debates on Operation Sindoor and the Special Intensive Revision of Bihar's voter list. At noon, BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, while in the Chair, read out the Home Ministry notification announcing Dhankhar's resignation. By 2 pm, the House was adjourned for the after, leader of the House JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Harivansh in his chamber to discuss the way forward. Some JD(U) members later joined the meeting, after which Harivansh left for Rashtrapati Bhavan to call on President Droupadi Article 91 of the Constitution, when the chairman's post is vacant, the deputy chairman performs the duties. If both posts are vacant, the President can appoint a Rajya Sabha member for the no business could be transacted on Tuesday, Harivansh will take up pending issues from Wednesday. A meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), to be chaired by him in the afternoon, will fix the date and time for a debate on Operation Sindoor, most likely next week when Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his foreign trip. The BAC will also decide the total time for the discussion.A former journalist and media adviser to ex-PM Chandra Shekhar, Harivansh entered the Rajya Sabha in 2014 as a JD(U) MP. He became deputy chairman in 2018 and was re-elected to the post in 2020 during his second term.
India Today
16 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Dhankhar exit: What happened between 1 pm and 4.30 pm broke the camel's back
It was business as usual on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. Stormy as expected, with the Opposition attacking the government. However, an unexpected storm was building somewhere else, reveal remarks by Opposition leaders and developments of the day. They indicate that Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar was at the eye of the unexpected storm, and resigned in a surprise move that took most by in the recent past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media before the beginning of the session outside the Parliament building, urging the "need for unity on national interest".Then there was the usual share of adjournments, walkouts and charges by Opposition leaders. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, alleged that he was gagged, while ministers were allowed their share of time to the menu of the ruling and the opposition parties were some key issues. The impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma, and discussions around Operation Sindoor and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound day seemed to be progressing as usual, with its share of expected disruptions, but the late-evening resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, changed the talking 74, assumed office in August 2022 and was set to serve until Dhankhar jumping the gun on Justice Yashwant Deskhmukh's cash-at-home row the real reason behind his exit? Did his actions go against the plans of the government, which doesn't want a confrontation with the judiciary at the moment?MORE TO DHANKHAR'S RESIGNATION THAN MEETS THE EYEThe official announcement of Dhankhar's resignation came at 9.25pm. Dhankhar resigned, citing health leaders said there was more to it than met the eye because in several meetings and the House proceedings throughout the day, Dhankhar didn't seem unwell or hint at any health Opposition said Dhankhar, the Rajya Sabha Chairman, was holding meetings of the Business Advisory Committee and was scheduled to make "major announcements related to the judiciary".Apart from the Business Advisory Committee, he also met with opposition leaders, yet gave no indication of any health issues or plans to step down."The sudden resignation of the Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is as shocking as it is inexplicable," said Congress MP Jairam Ramesh."No doubt Mr Dhankar has to give topmost priority to his health. But clearly there is far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye. This is not the time for speculation though," posted Ramesh on Congress leader also mentioned that Dhankhar had scheduled a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee for 1 pm on Tuesday."Mr Dhankar took both the Government and the Opposition to task in equal measure. He had fixed a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee tomorrow at 1 PM. He was also to make some major announcements related to the judiciary tomorrow," said what happened on Monday that Dhankhar, who was scheduling important House business for July 22, ended up resigning at 9.25 pm on July 21?RAJYA SABHA PROCEEDINGS AND DHANKHAR RESIGNATIONThe Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day at around 4.36 pm on the adjournment, Dhankhar confirmed receiving a motion signed by over 50 members seeking the removal of Justice Varma, initiating the process under the Judges Inquiry told by the Law Minister, Arjun Ram Meghwal, that a similar motion was in the Lok Sabha, he directed the Secretary General to verify if a similar motion was moved in the Lower Meghwal's confirmation that a notice had also been submitted in the Lok Sabha, Dhankhar asked the Secretary General to "take necessary steps in this direction".advertisementDhankhar said according to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, when notices of a motion are submitted on the same day in both the Houses of Parliament, a committee to examine the charges levelled against the judge will be constituted jointly by the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha the motion presented in the Lok Sabha was a bipartisan one, with the signature of 152 MPs, including those from the BJP, the one in the Rajya Sabha was purely moved by Opposition to claims, the acceptance of the motion, signed only by the opposition MPs, might have caused some it was Dhankhar, an expert of the Constitution, who has been at the forefront when it came to batting for judicial reforms. The Justice Deshmukh case was an opportunity for him to get a foot in the in the day, Dhankhar also saw forceful intervention by JP Nadda, BJP's leader in the Rajya Sabha, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was debating on Operation Sindoor."Nothing will go on record, only what I say will go on record," Nadda was heard saying while pointing towards was pointed out by the Congress as an "insult" of the Chairman although Nadda said his remarks were directed at Opposition MPs, according to a PTI report."The BJP doesn't care about the Constitution or democratic values. Dhankhar ji conducted himself impartially, and that didn't sit well with many in power. That insult to the Chair [the Nadda remark] hurt him deeply. This has nothing to do with his health," said Pappu Yadav, Lok Sabha MP from RIJIJU MISSING FROM DHANKHAR MEETINGThe Congress also said that the absence of JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the second meeting of the Business Advisory Committee of the Rajya Sabha at 4.30 pm upset Dhankhar."He was completely healthy. He conducted the Parliament in the same jovial mood. Something happened in the afternoon [on Monday] which has upset him... which may have also upset the government," Congress MP Vivek Tankha told Nadda and Rijiju were present in the first meeting was held at 12.30 that meeting remained inconclusive, it was decided that it would be reconvened at 4.30 pm. However, Union Minister L Murugan represented the government at the second some discussion, the BAC decided to reconvene at 4.30 pm. However, when the meeting resumed, both ministers were absent. In Rijiju's absence, Union Minister L Murugan represented the government at the second DHANKHAR JUMP THE GUN ON JUSTICE VARMA?In short, Dhankhar has been hostile to the jumping at the opportunity to act against Justice Varma and echo the Opposition tone might have seemed jarring to the judiciary believes that acting against Justice Varma in the cash-at-home row is its July 21, the Supreme Court refused an urgent hearing on a petition seeking an FIR against Justice just that, the two-judge bench comprising CJI BR Gavai also pulled up lawyer Mathews Nedumpara for referring to Justice Varma of the Allahabad High Court by name, without the honorific 'justice' while seeking the urgent hearing on the of the theories suggests that any rushed action might see the judiciary bite back, and the government isn't too keen on a confrontation right perceived jumping the ship on the Justice Varma motion might have been behind his sources told media outlets that Dhankhar admitted the motion against Justice Varma "without taking the government into confidence"."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," Dhankhar said in his letter to President Draupadi the resignation wasn't something planned by Dhankhar's side was revealed by a post Vice-President's Secretariat that shared his travel plans for July 23 in the afternoon."The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, will be on a one-day visit to Jaipur, Rajasthan on July 23, 2025," it said at 3.53 pm on Monday."Something very serious happened yesterday between 1 PM and 4:30 PM to account for the deliberate absence of Shri Nadda and Shri Rijiju from the second BAC yesterday," posted Jairam Ramesh, adding, "Now in a truly unprecedented move, Shri Jagdeep Dhankar has resigned."The claims of Opposition leaders, including Jairam Ramesh, and the developments of the day hint at what the Congress MP says hints at "far deeper reasons for his resignation". Though clarity of what transpired might take to emerge, if that happens at all, there's a sketch that the normal proceedings of Monday drew, leading to an extraordinary evening.- EndsMust Watch
The Hindu
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
VP Jagdeep Dhankhar's 'shocking' resignation ignites speculations
Political speculations were re-ignited on the inaugural day of the Monsoon Session on Monday (July 21, 2025) though not for events inside the chambers but outside. Late in the evening Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar sought to step down from his position citing health issues. As the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Mr. Dhankhar had chaired the Business Advisory Committee that comprises key members from Treasury and Opposition Benches. During the inaugural session, Mr. Dhankhar had reiterate members to maintin order in the house and assured a discussion on Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam terror attack after the position demanded the same and even walked out. Today's session is likely to be chaired by Deputy Chairman Harivansh. The unexpected resignation Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh in a long social media posted claimed there could be "far deeper reasons" behind Mr. Dhankhar's resignation. Furthermore, underlining there be no speculation he stated on social media, 'Mr. Dhankhar took both the Govt and the Opposition to task in equal measure,' elaborating, 'He had fixed a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee tomorrow at 1 PM. He was also to make some major announcements related to the judiciary tomorrow.' The Congress' Communications Chief sought Mr. Dhankhar reconsider his decision, further urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 'change his mind'. Select Committee tables its report on Income Tax bill Lok Sabha was adjourned thrice on Monday before it had to call off proceedings for the day. Notwithstanding the protests, the Select Committee on the Income Tax Bill, 2025 tabled their report.. T.C.A Sharad Raghavan, who compared the report with the original draft found the Select Committee has retained the contentious provisions allowing tax officials to forcibly access social media, private email. The Select Committee was headed by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, and the proposed Income Tax bill, 2025 seeks to replace the incumbent six-decade old legislation. The Finance Ministry would now review the suggestions after which it would be taking a call on either introducing it in the house to be made a legislation or making changes. Facts on Air India crash would be known after final report: Civil Aviation Minister in Rajya Sabha The other major development originated in the house of elders. During the Question Hour, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan emphasised the facts of the Air India crash would be known after the final report is out. He held the media reports on preliminary findings as 'their own viewpoint'. Mr. Naidu urged everyone to wait for the final report. Furthermore, in his response to a related question, the Civil Aviation Minister informed there has been no discrimination in providing compensation and related assistance to victims of the air crash – passengers or otherwise. That is all from our recap coverage of the inaugural day. On what to look forward to today: Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Meghwal is expected to move the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to readjust seats of the Goa Legislative Assembly to provide for inclusion of certain Scheduled Tribe communities of the state. Additionally, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal is expected to move Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024. The Bill seeks to establish 'responsibilities, liabilities, rights and immunities' for the carriage of goods from a port in India to the rest of the world and aligns with international conventions. Follow our real-time coverage of today's sitting here. Until next time.
