Controversial Yet Historic: Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns as Vice President

Paromita Das

New Delhi, 22nd July: In the evolving landscape of modern Bharat, diplomacy and decisive action are no longer confined to international corridors. The nation is increasingly demonstrating its capacity to respond—swiftly, firmly, and with consequences that force rethink and recalibration. The unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing health reasons, is emblematic of this shift. It isn’t merely a constitutional footnote—it’s a testament to how political dynamics in the new Bharat are being shaped by assertive decisions, signaling to all stakeholders that actions will be met with stern checks and rebalances.

The Unusual Resignation

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation in August 2025 stunned political observers. He was the first Vice President in Bharat to step down for health reasons rather than to contest presidential elections or ascend to the presidency. The office of the Vice President, described constitutionally as the “ex‑officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha” who steps in when the President is incapacitated, suddenly found itself at the centre of unprecedented controversy. Dhankhar wasn’t a passive figure; his tenure had become synonymous with confrontation, controversy, and floor management that often bordered on confrontation.

Rajya Sabha Turbulence: A Chair Under Fire

The first signs of discord emerged during the Winter Session of 2022. Dhankhar criticised the Supreme Court’s invalidation of the National Judicial Appointments Commission, calling it a “glaring instance” of judicial overreach and a blow to parliamentary sovereignty. His words were more than political rhetoric—they symbolised a House chairman willing to challenge established judicial authority in defence of legislative supremacy.

From that point, sessions of the Rajya Sabha often transformed into battlegrounds. In 2023, he refused to compel Prime Minister Modi to appear before the House, setting off fierce debates as the opposition demanded clarification on the Manipur violence. His decision not to summon the PM became a flashpoint, underscoring his evolving approach to parliamentary discipline—steeped in procedural autonomy yet bordering on obdurate.

The climax came during the Winter Session of 2023, when unprecedented suspensions of 146 MPs—including members from the opposition over security breaches and debates—became the highest-ever show of such action in a single session. These moves, while defended by Dhankhar as necessary for decorum, only intensified claims that he had crossed the fine line between order and authoritarianism.

The Impeachment Stir

By December 2024, murmurings of discontent had shifted into formal action. The opposition tabled a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar—an impeachment in all but name. Their aim: to highlight alleged bias and procedural overreach. Though the motion was ultimately rejected, its very existence confirmed a dramatic erosion of trust. The Rajya Sabha had transformed into a virtual battlefield—each session punctuated by tension, clash, and uncertainty.

A Mirror to Bharat’s Assertive DNA

Dhankhar’s resignation speaks to more than internal Parliament dynamics—it reflects a country increasingly unwilling to tolerate imbalance of power. Just as Bharat’s foreign policy has evolved towards measured yet firm responses, domestic politics is witnessing a similar evolution. The nation is sending a message: constitutional authority is not tyranny, and partisan behaviour from high offices, even if technically allowed, will be scrutinised and, when necessary, curtailed.

In the new Bharat, responses are calibrated but clear—designed not to intimidate but to elicit accountability. Whether it’s diplomatic posturing or managing internal institutions, the ethos is consistent: act with intent, respond when tested, and don’t shy away from enforcing standards—even at the highest levels.

A Turning Point for Parliamentary Politics

What happens now? The vacancy in the Vice President’s office opens a crucial moment to reflect on the role of the Rajya Sabha chairman. Will the next occupant adopt a more neutral decorum? Can Parliament recover from the recent upheavals? The answer lies in how institutional norms are restored—not through silence, but by ensuring that power is exercised with fairness and transparency.

A Prelude to Accountability

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s departure signals a broader shift in Bharat’s political ethos—one that prizes responsibility over mandate, decorum over dominance. Just as Bharat’s diplomatic responses now demand recognition, its internal mechanisms are signalling that respectful governance transcends any single office. The resignation is not an end; it’s a clarion call: in the new Bharat, power comes with scrutiny, authority with expectation, and roles with responsibility.