S Gopal Puri
New Delhi: In a dramatic twist few anticipated, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation late Monday (July 21, 2025) night, hours after he admitted an Opposition-backed motion seeking the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, a judge of the Allahabad High Court.
The decision, made public via the official X handle at 9.25 pm, cited health concerns. But political circles are abuzz with whispers of a deeper, more confrontational backstory.
Just 10 days earlier, Jagdeep Dhankhar had stated he intended to complete his tenure until August 2027, barring any “divine intervention”. His abrupt departure without a farewell speech has left the political establishment stunned and scrambling for answers.
Sudden exit sparks political murmurs
At the heart of the unfolding drama lies a motion moved in the Rajya Sabha to oust Justice Yashwant Varma, following a major cash haul from his official premises in Delhi. Opposition members initiated the move during the monsoon session and Vice-President Dhankhar, in his capacity as chairman of the upper house, promptly accepted it.
This caught the government off guard. Sources said Dhankhar’s swift action denied the government the political advantage of taking the lead on tackling judicial corruption. What followed hours later was Dhankhar’s resignation on his X handle.
What happened behind the scenes for a few hours is not clear, but it is being speculated that the ruling regime was unhappy with Dhankhar allowing the opposition-led motion. If the Vice-President had dig in his heels and refused to oblige the ruling regime, the government would have had to bring in a no-confidence motion to remove Dhankhar from his post.
This would have caused much embarrassment to both Dhankhar and the ruling regime. More so as the ruling regime had saved the Rajya Sabha chairman only six months ago after the opposition had brought a no-confidence motion against him.
Political observers unconvinced on resignation reason
Dhankhar’s resignation letter emphasised health reasons and gratitude toward the President, Prime Minister and fellow MPs. Yet, political observers remain unconvinced. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge remarked tersely, “Only he knows the reason. Either the government knows or he knows.”
Adding to the speculation, Opposition leaders pointed to a contentious business advisory committee meeting earlier in the day. The absence of key ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju reportedly upset the Vice-President.
Meanwhile, Dhankhar’s resignation has been accepted by the President while wishing him the best for his future endeavours.
