VP Dhankhar’s Sudden Exit: Was Politics at Play?

• VP Jagdeep Dhankhar abruptly resigned, citing health reasons, amidst political speculation.
• His acceptance of an opposition motion for Justice Yashwant Varma’s removal reportedly displeased the Union government.
• The government had its own plan for Justice Varma’s impeachment, keeping Dhankhar uninformed of their strategy.

By Harshita Rai
The abrupt resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday, citing health reasons, has sent ripples through political circles, sparking speculation about the behind-the-scenes maneuvers that may have led to his unexpected departure. While the official reason points to medical advice, a series of events involving a high-profile judicial impeachment motion suggests a more intricate political narrative.

The Yashwant Varma Motion: A Flashpoint
Sources indicate that a pivotal moment occurred when Dhankhar, as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, unilaterally accepted a motion from opposition MPs for the removal of High Court Justice Yashwant Varma. This decision reportedly blindsided the Union government, which had its own plans to take the lead on the issue. The Centre had already prepared a similar motion and secured signatures from opposition MPs, intending to introduce it in the Lok Sabha. Dhankhar’s move to accept the opposition’s motion without prior consultation with the government reportedly caused significant dismay within the ruling establishment.

The government’s frustration stemmed from its concerted efforts to project a strong stance against judicial corruption. Dhankhar’s action, perceived as circumventing the government’s strategy, risked diluting its leadership on a sensitive issue.

Government’s Swift Response and Damage Control
Following the Vice President’s decision, a high-level meeting was convened with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers. What followed was a swift damage control exercise. In a discreet gathering at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s office, BJP’s Rajya Sabha MPs were called in groups of ten to sign a new, pre-prepared motion. NDA allies also followed suit. All MPs were reportedly instructed to maintain strict silence about the motion and to remain in Delhi for the next four days, signaling the gravity of the situation and the potential for immediate action. It was only after this show of force that Vice President Dhankhar was reportedly informed about this new, overwhelming motion against Justice Varma.

Sources suggest that simultaneously, government MPs were briefed about instances where Mr. Dhankhar had “crossed the line” during his tenure, including times he had allegedly criticized the government or caused embarrassment. This internal briefing aimed to consolidate support and perhaps prepare for a larger confrontation.

The Resignation: Health or Political Pressure?
Before any further steps could be taken by the government, Mr. Dhankhar announced his resignation at 9:25 PM on Tuesday via the Vice President’s ‘X’ account. With two years still remaining in his term, the announcement caught many by surprise. In his resignation letter to the President, Mr. Dhankhar cited the need to “prioritise health care and abide by medical advice.” He also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, acknowledging their “invaluable” cooperation and support during his service in what he termed a “transformative era” for India.

Mixed Reactions and Lingering Questions
President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation. While the government’s public reaction has been muted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Mr. Dhankhar good health on ‘X’.

The opposition, surprisingly, has shown some support for Dhankhar, despite having moved a no-confidence motion against him just six months prior. Congress leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha and senior leader KC Venugopal, have voiced their surprise and called for greater transparency regarding the reasons behind the sudden exit. Tankha notably questioned the health reason, remarking on Mr. Dhankhar’s jovial mood and suggesting he might have felt “insulted” after ministers reportedly did not appear for his meeting. Even West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a staunch critic during his gubernatorial tenure, noted his “good health.”

The rapid succession of events—from a controversial decision in the Rajya Sabha to a show of strength by the ruling party and an unexpected resignation—leaves many questions unanswered. While health is cited as the reason, the intricate political chess game that unfolded in the hours preceding his resignation suggests a complex interplay of power dynamics and strategic moves that ultimately led to Vice President Dhankhar’s sudden exit from office.