Dhankhar Dhamaka: The Inside Story of What Forced the Vice-President Out

On July 21, 2025, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape, marking the first time a Vice-President resigned mid-term without ascending to the presidency. Officially citing health concerns, the 74-year-old’s exit after just three years in office has sparked intense speculation about deeper political undercurrents. As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar’s tenure was marked by fiery debates, judicial critiques, and a controversial move that may have sealed his fate. This blog unravels the inside story of what led to the “Dhankhar Dhamaka,” piecing together events from July 21 and the tensions that culminated in his dramatic departure.

A Day of High Drama: The Timeline of July 21

The monsoon session of Parliament began on July 21, 2025, with Dhankhar presiding over the Rajya Sabha as its Chairman. The day started routinely, but a series of events quickly escalated into a political storm:

• 12:30 PM: Dhankhar chaired the Rajya Sabha’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, attended by key figures like Leader of the House JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The meeting set the stage for the session’s agenda.
• 2:00 PM: Dhankhar accepted an Opposition-backed motion signed by 63 MPs to impeach High Court Justice Yashwant Varma, following a massive cash recovery at Varma’s residence. This move, made without consulting the government, reportedly blindsided the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had planned to initiate the impeachment in the Lok Sabha to lead the charge against judicial corruption.
• 4:07 PM: Dhankhar informed the Rajya Sabha that the motion against Varma had been accepted and directed the Secretary General to verify signatures, noting one was duplicated. He emphasized following procedure, checking if a similar motion was filed in the Lok Sabha.
• 4:30 PM: A second BAC meeting was scheduled, but Nadda and Rijiju were absent, reportedly without informing Dhankhar directly. Sources suggest this absence was a deliberate signal of the government’s displeasure with Dhankhar’s unilateral acceptance of the Varma motion. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh later claimed Dhankhar “took umbrage” at the ministers’ absence, rescheduling the meeting for July 22.
• 5:00 PM: Dhankhar met with Congress leaders, including Ramesh, Pramod Tiwari, and Akhilesh Prasad Singh, discussing routine matters and a new committee. He appeared in good health and gave no hint of resignation, even planning to continue discussions the next day.
• 7:30 PM: Ramesh spoke with Dhankhar over the phone, with the Vice-President mentioning he was with family discussing health issues but planning to talk further on July 22.
• 9:25 PM: The Vice-President’s official X handle posted Dhankhar’s resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, citing “health concerns” and the need to “prioritize healthcare and abide by medical advice” under Article 67(a) of the Constitution. The resignation was effective immediately and accepted by Murmu the next day.

This three-hour window between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM appears to have been the tipping point, with the government’s reaction to Dhankhar’s actions setting off a chain of events that led to his exit.

The Trigger: The Justice Varma Impeachment Motion

At the heart of the “Dhankhar Dhamaka” lies his decision to accept the Opposition’s motion to impeach Justice Yashwant Varma. The government, keen on leading the anti-corruption narrative in the judiciary, had prepared its own motion for Varma’s removal and secured Opposition signatures, intending to introduce it in the Lok Sabha. Dhankhar’s move to admit the Opposition’s motion in the Rajya Sabha without consulting the government was seen as a direct affront, undermining the BJP’s strategy.

Sources indicate that senior ministers, including Nadda, Rijiju, and Arjun Ram Meghwal, met Dhankhar multiple times before the session, urging him to delay the Varma motion and focus on another judicial impeachment (Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav). Dhankhar, however, stood firm, citing his duty as Rajya Sabha Chairman to act within the rules. This stance reportedly infuriated the government, with one source claiming Dhankhar was influenced by a senior Congress leader.

The government’s displeasure was evident when Nadda and Rijiju skipped the 4:30 PM BAC meeting. Congress leaders later suggested this snub, coupled with an earlier incident where Nadda reportedly said, “Nothing will go on record, only what I say will go on record,” while pointing at Dhankhar, may have felt like a personal insult to the Vice-President.

Deeper Tensions: A Clash of Ego and Protocol

Beyond the Varma motion, Dhankhar’s resignation was the culmination of months of friction with the government. Elected Vice-President in August 2022 after a contentious tenure as West Bengal Governor, Dhankhar was known for his assertive style and vocal criticism of judicial overreach. His public statements aligning with the RSS on questioning the inclusion of “secular” and “socialist” in the Constitution and his emphasis on parliamentary supremacy stirred controversy.

Sources suggest Dhankhar’s insistence on protocol privileges akin to the President’s—such as luxury cars, aircraft, and staff appointments—created friction with the government, which viewed his demands as overstepping the Vice-President’s largely ceremonial role. His frequent run-ins with the Opposition, including a no-confidence motion against him in December 2024 (later rejected), further strained his position.

Posts on X reflect public sentiment, with some alleging Dhankhar’s resignation was a result of the government showing him his “aukat” (place) after he “compromised his integrity” to please the BJP leadership. Others point to “institutional friction” with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and his judicial critiques as setting the stage for his exit. These claims, while speculative, highlight the polarized narrative surrounding his departure.

The Health Narrative: Fact or Facade?

Dhankhar’s resignation letter cited health concerns, referencing his March 2025 angioplasty at AIIMS Delhi and a fainting episode at Nainital University in June. Doctors had advised him to avoid exertion, and the high-pressure environment of the Rajya Sabha was described as a “cardiac event in progress.” However, Opposition leaders like Jairam Ramesh and Mallikarjun Kharge questioned this narrative, noting Dhankhar appeared in good health during meetings and showed no signs of distress. Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh, who met him at 6:00 PM, described him as “jovial” and eager about future engagements.

The timing of the resignation—hours after a busy day and despite a scheduled trip to Jaipur on July 23—further fueled skepticism. A Vice-President’s Secretariat press release at 3:53 PM on July 21 confirmed his travel plans, suggesting the decision was made abruptly.

Political Fallout and Speculation

Dhankhar’s exit has sparked a flurry of speculation. Some theories suggest it was a strategic move to pave the way for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as Vice-President ahead of the 2026 Bihar elections, though NDA leaders dismissed this. Others, including Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, alleged Dhankhar was “forced” to resign under threat of a government-backed no-confidence motion, a claim the BJP has not directly addressed.

The Congress has capitalized on the resignation, with leaders like Kharge and Gaurav Gogoi demanding transparency from the government, suggesting “dal mein kuch kaala hai” (something suspicious is afoot). The absence of a farewell speech and the government’s muted response—limited to a brief statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishing Dhankhar good health—have added to the mystery.

What’s Next?

With Dhankhar’s resignation accepted on July 22, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh is managing Rajya Sabha proceedings. The Election Commission has begun preparations for a new Vice-Presidential election, with an electoral college of MPs from both Houses. No specific timeline is mandated, but the process is expected to move swiftly under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.

Dhankhar, now entitled to a pension (estimated at over ₹2 lakh monthly), a Type VIII bungalow in Lutyens’ Delhi, and other facilities, is reportedly preparing to vacate the Vice-President’s Enclave. The government has clarified that his residence was not sealed, refuting social media rumors.

Conclusion: A Resignation Shrouded in Mystery

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation is a rare and unprecedented event in India’s political history, raising questions about the delicate balance between constitutional roles and political power. While health concerns were the official reason, the acceptance of the Varma impeachment motion, perceived slights from the government, and long-standing tensions over protocol and judicial critiques appear to have been the real catalysts. The “Dhankhar Dhamaka” underscores the fragility of trust within the ruling coalition and the challenges of navigating India’s parliamentary democracy.

As the nation awaits the election of a new Vice-President, the episode serves as a reminder of the high stakes in India’s political chessboard. For now, the true reasons behind Dhankhar’s exit remain, as Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge put it, “a riddle wrapped in mystery rolled in an enigma.”

Disclaimer: Political developments are complex, and this blog relies on available sources. Speculation should be approached cautiously, and readers are encouraged to follow updates from credible outlets.

Sources: NDTV, July 22–24, 2025; The Hindu, July 22–23, 2025; India Today, July 21–26, 2025; Hindustan Times, July 22–24, 2025; Times of India, July 22–24, 2025; posts on X.