PM Narendra Modi's First Response On Jagdeep Dhankhar's Resignation As Vice President

On July 22, 2025, the political landscape of India was rocked by the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who cited health concerns as his reason for stepping down. The announcement, made on the first day of the Parliament's Monsoon Session, sent shockwaves through political circles, prompting a flurry of speculation and commentary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first public response, took to X to acknowledge Dhankhar’s contributions and extend well-wishes, a statement that carried both gratitude and brevity.

The Resignation That Caught Everyone Off Guard

Jagdeep Dhankhar, the 14th Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu on July 21, 2025, effective immediately under Article 67(a) of the Constitution. In his resignation letter, Dhankhar emphasized prioritizing his health, referencing medical advice following a recent angioplasty and a fainting incident earlier in the year. The abruptness of his exit, just two years into his five-year term, raised eyebrows, especially given his active participation in the Rajya Sabha proceedings earlier that day, where he administered oaths to new members and addressed an impeachment notice against a high court judge.

Dhankhar’s tenure was marked by his vocal stance on issues like judicial overreach and his commitment to parliamentary supremacy, which often put him at odds with both the opposition and, reportedly, elements within the government. His resignation, coming after a day of parliamentary activity and a scheduled visit to Jaipur, left many questioning whether health was the sole reason or if deeper political undercurrents were at play.

PM Modi’s Response: Measured and Diplomatic

At 12:13 PM IST on July 22, 2025, nearly 15 hours after Dhankhar’s resignation was announced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence with a post on X:

Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.
श्री जगदीप धनखड़ जी को भारत के उपराष्ट्रपति सहित कई भूमिकाओं में देश की सेवा करने का अवसर मिला है। मैं उनके उत्तम…

Modi’s message was notably succinct, focusing on Dhankhar’s service to the nation and extending wishes for his recovery. Unlike his earlier praise for Dhankhar in 2022, when he lauded the “Kisan putra” for his constitutional knowledge and legislative acumen, this response was restrained, avoiding elaborate tributes. The delay in Modi’s reaction, coupled with the absence of immediate comments from other senior BJP leaders, fueled speculation about underlying tensions.

Political Ripples and Opposition Reactions

The timing and nature of Dhankhar’s resignation sparked intense debate. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called it “inexplicable” and hinted at “far deeper reasons” beyond health concerns, pointing to a Business Advisory Committee meeting where two senior ministers, JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju, were absent without prior notice to Dhankhar. Ramesh’s posts on X suggested that something significant transpired between 1 PM and 4:30 PM on July 21, potentially contributing to the decision. He even urged Modi to convince Dhankhar to reconsider, citing the interests of the nation and the farming community.

Other opposition voices, like CPI’s P Sandosh Kumar, expressed surprise, while AIMIM’s Waris Pathan and senior advocate Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal offered measured support, acknowledging Dhankhar’s nationalism and fairness despite ideological differences. However, the opposition’s suspicion was palpable, with some linking the resignation to Dhankhar’s acceptance of an impeachment notice against Justice Yashwant Varma, a move that reportedly clashed with the government’s strategy to lead the narrative on judicial accountability.

What Lies Beneath: Health or Politics?

While Dhankhar’s resignation letter emphasized health—referencing his recent medical history, including a cardiac procedure and a fainting spell in Nainital—many found the explanation unconvincing given his active engagement on the day of resignation. Sources cited by NDTV suggested that Dhankhar’s decision to admit the impeachment notice against Justice Varma, without aligning with the government’s plans, may have prompted rumblings of a no-confidence motion against him. To avoid such a confrontation, Dhankhar, a seasoned politician, may have chosen to step down preemptively.

The lack of immediate celebratory or congratulatory messages from BJP leaders, unusual for a party known for its cohesive public messaging, added fuel to the speculation. The government’s silence, contrasted with the opposition’s vocal reactions, painted a picture of a complex political maneuver rather than a straightforward health-related exit.

Looking Ahead: The Race for the Next Vice President

Dhankhar’s resignation has set the stage for an election to fill the vacancy within six months, as mandated by the Constitution. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, a JD(U) leader, has taken over the chairmanship of the Upper House for the remainder of the session, and his name is among those floated as a potential successor. The NDA, led by the BJP, is reportedly in a huddle to identify a candidate, with governors and senior leaders also in contention.

The resignation marks Dhankhar as the seventh Vice President to not complete a full term, joining the ranks of V V Giri and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who resigned for presidential ambitions or moral reasons. Unlike them, Dhankhar’s exit appears unique, driven by a mix of personal health and possible political friction.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation was a carefully worded acknowledgment of his service, coupled with a wish for good health. While it maintained decorum, the brevity and timing of the statement, alongside the opposition’s pointed remarks, have kept the rumor mills churning. Was Dhankhar’s resignation truly about health, or was it a strategic withdrawal amid political crosswinds? As the nation awaits clarity and a new Vice President, this episode underscores the delicate balance of power and protocol in India’s vibrant democracy.

For more details, refer to sources like India Today and The Hindu.