The acceptance of an opposition-sponsored motion for the removal of high court judge Yashwant Varma, who hit the headlines after a massive cash recovery at his official residence, set in motion the chain of events eventually leading to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's shock resignation last night, Times Now has learnt.
What Led to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's Sudden Resignation - The Inside Story
On July 21, 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape. Officially citing health concerns, the 74-year-old’s exit from the constitutional post of Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, with two years left in his term, has sparked intense speculation about the true reasons behind his departure. While Dhankhar’s resignation letter emphasized medical advice, political circles and opposition leaders suggest deeper underlying factors, pointing to a complex interplay of political tensions, procedural missteps, and a clash with the government’s agenda.
The Official Reason: Health Concerns
Dhankhar’s resignation letter, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, stated, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.” He expressed gratitude to the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Members of Parliament for their support during his tenure, which began in August 2022. Dhankhar had suffered a cardiac event in March 2025, but reports indicate he had resumed his duties and was actively participating in events, including chairing the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 21, 2025.
However, the timing of his resignation—announced late Monday evening after a full day of parliamentary proceedings—raised eyebrows. Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, noted that Dhankhar appeared in good health during interactions earlier that day, with no indication of an imminent exit. Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh, who met Dhankhar at 5:30 pm, described him as being in a “good mood” and eager to discuss upcoming parliamentary business. This has led many to question whether health was the sole or primary reason for his resignation.
The Spark: The Justice Varma Impeachment Motion
The most widely discussed catalyst for Dhankhar’s resignation is his decision to accept an opposition-sponsored motion to impeach Allahabad High Court Judge Yashwant Varma, following a massive cash recovery at the judge’s residence. On July 21, 2025, during the first day of the Monsoon Session, 63 opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha and 145 MPs in the Lok Sabha submitted notices for Varma’s removal under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968. As Rajya Sabha Chairman, Dhankhar accepted the motion and directed the House’s secretary general to take necessary steps, a move that reportedly clashed with the government’s strategy.
Sources indicate that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) intended to lead the charge against judicial corruption, with its own motion in the Lok Sabha. Dhankhar’s unilateral acceptance of the opposition’s notice is said to have “ruffled feathers” at the highest levels of the government, as it disrupted the Centre’s plan to control the narrative around the judiciary. Reports suggest a heated phone exchange followed between Dhankhar and government representatives, with the Vice President asserting his constitutional authority. Faced with the possibility of a government-backed no-confidence motion—a rare and humiliating prospect—Dhankhar reportedly chose to resign to avoid further escalation.
Tensions with the Government: A Pattern of Friction
Dhankhar’s tenure as Vice President was marked by a delicate balancing act between loyalty to the BJP, which nominated him, and his commitment to constitutional norms. Known for his outspoken nature, Dhankhar had previously clashed with the government on issues like judicial accountability and farmers’ protests. In December 2024, he faced a no-confidence motion from the opposition, which accused him of partisan conduct in the Rajya Sabha. Though the motion was dropped, it highlighted the turbulent relations between Dhankhar and the opposition.
His vocal criticism of judicial overreach, including remarks against the Supreme Court’s directives on bill-signing timelines, also put him at odds with some in the government. Dhankhar’s assertion that “Parliament is supreme” and his defense of judicial independence while simultaneously criticizing judicial overreach painted him as a complex figure—loyal to the BJP yet unafraid to challenge the establishment when he deemed it necessary.
Another point of contention was Dhankhar’s handling of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings on July 21. He scheduled a second meeting at 4:30 pm, but senior ministers J.P. Nadda and Kiren Rijiju failed to attend, reportedly without informing him. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh suggested that this perceived snub may have contributed to Dhankhar’s decision, interpreting it as a lack of respect for his authority.
Political Speculation and Opposition Reactions
The opposition has been quick to seize on the resignation, with leaders like Jairam Ramesh and Priyanka Chaturvedi alleging “far deeper reasons” behind Dhankhar’s exit. Ramesh urged Prime Minister Modi to persuade Dhankhar to reconsider, citing the interests of the nation and the farming community, with which Dhankhar, a self-described “kisan putra” (son of a farmer), strongly identified. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut hinted at “big politics” behind the scenes, while Congress leader Harish Rawat dismissed the health rationale, stating, “The suddenness of the VP’s resignation and the choice of timing both say many things.”
Some opposition figures, like former Union Minister Kapil Sibal, expressed personal respect for Dhankhar, noting his openness and willingness to accommodate opposition voices in the Rajya Sabha. However, they acknowledged that ideological differences and his perceived alignment with the BJP often fueled tensions. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, on the other hand, praised Dhankhar’s integrity and legal acumen, urging against viewing the resignation through a political lens.web:8⁊
The Political Fallout and What Lies Ahead
Dhankhar’s resignation has triggered a race for his successor, with Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, a Janata Dal (United) MP, emerging as a frontrunner due to his proximity to the NDA. Under Article 67 of the Constitution, the Deputy Chairman will manage Rajya Sabha proceedings until a new Vice President is elected within six months by an Electoral College comprising members of both Houses of Parliament. The BJP-led NDA, with its majority, is expected to select a “non-controversial” candidate, potentially a governor, senior leader, or Union minister.
The resignation also poses challenges for the NDA, as it navigates a tense relationship with the opposition during the Monsoon Session. The opposition’s impeachment motion against Justice Varma remains a focal point, and Dhankhar’s exit may embolden them to press the issue further. Meanwhile, the government’s silence—marked by a delayed response from Prime Minister Modi and the absence of statements from BJP ministers—has fueled speculation of internal discord.
A Legacy of Principle and Paradox
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s tenure as Vice President was defined by his rural roots, legal expertise, and a commitment to constitutional propriety, often at odds with both the government and the opposition. His resignation, whether driven by health or political pressures, marks him as the first Vice President to resign midterm without contesting a presidential election, joining V.V. Giri and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat as one of only three to leave office early.
As India awaits clarity on the “inside story,” Dhankhar’s departure underscores the fragility of political alliances and the challenges of maintaining institutional independence in a polarized landscape. Whether his exit was a principled stand against pressure or a pragmatic retreat to avoid a no-confidence motion, it has left an indelible mark on India’s political narrative, with the truth likely lying in the nuanced interplay of health, politics, and power.
