VP of Bharat Mr Dhankhar Steps Down: What It Means for Indian Politics??

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, citing health, creates a political vacuum and unexpected challenge.
• His exit impacts the Rajya Sabha’s functioning and triggers an immediate need for an election for his successor.
• The ruling party faces a strategic opportunity to select a new Vice President to bolster parliamentary control.
• The Opposition will weigh its options for a candidate, potentially aiming to consolidate forces or challenge the government.

The immediate resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, ostensibly on grounds of “medical advice” to “prioritise health care,” has cast an unexpected political ripple just as the Monsoon Session of Parliament was getting underway. While the personal aspect of health cannot be overlooked, the sudden departure of the nation’s second-highest constitutional functionary, barely three years into his five-year term, immediately triggers a complex set of political calculations and constitutional imperatives.

Dhankhar’s tenure as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha was marked by a distinct style, often assertive in upholding rules and, at times, engaged in robust exchanges with the Opposition. His departure leaves a significant void, not just constitutionally but also in the delicate balance of parliamentary management, especially in the Upper House. The timing, on a day when the House was poised to discuss an impeachment motion against a former High Court judge – a development itself steeped in judicial probity concerns – only adds to the intrigue.

The Political Vacuum and Succession Battle
Article 67(a) of the Constitution allows for a unilateral resignation, making it effective immediately. This constitutional expediency, however, now necessitates an urgent political response. The onus is squarely on the ruling dispensation to swiftly identify and put forth a candidate for the Vice President’s post, which is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament.

For the government, the selection of the next Vice President is more than just filling a post; it’s an opportunity to solidify its parliamentary strength and strategic positioning. A sympathetic or politically aligned Vice President can significantly influence the legislative agenda and maintain order in a often-turbulent Rajya Sabha, where the government’s majority might be slimmer. This selection will involve careful consideration of political optics, regional representation, and the candidate’s ability to command respect across party lines – a crucial trait for the Chairman of the Upper House.

Conversely, the Opposition will be strategizing its response. While their numbers in the electoral college for the Vice President might be challenging, the vacancy offers a rare chance to potentially rally disparate forces around a consensus candidate, even if symbolic. It could be a moment to test the ruling party’s unity or expose any cracks, however minor. The choice of their nominee, or even the decision to field one, will be a keenly watched political move.

Beyond the Chair: Broader Implications
While the immediate impact is on the Rajya Sabha’s functioning – with the Deputy Chairman temporarily stepping in – the larger political ramifications cannot be ignored. A Vice President’s role extends beyond presiding over the Upper House; they also act as President during various contingencies. Therefore, the calibre and political leanings of the successor are of paramount importance.

Dhankhar’s resignation, even if purely health-driven, shows the intense pressures of high-level public service in India’s charged political environment. His expressed gratitude to the President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers speaks to the deep-seated political relationships at play.

This event, though not unprecedented (two other VPs, V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman, resigned mid-term to contest for the presidency), is unique in its stated health-related cause. It will undoubtedly prompt deliberations within political circles about health policies for constitutional functionaries and the broader issue of continuity in high offices. As the Election Commission gears up to hold the election “as soon as possible,” the corridors of power will be abuzz with intense lobbying, negotiations, and strategic moves, setting the stage for yet another critical electoral contest that will shape the contours of India’s political future.