In a significant turn of events, opposition parties have extended an invitation to former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for a farewell dinner following his unexpected resignation. Sources suggest the move is intended to symbolically acknowledge his exit, particularly after he was denied a customary farewell speech in the Rajya Sabha.
Mr. Dhankhar, 74, resigned citing health reasons, though political observers believe his decision was closely tied to a week of escalating tensions in Parliament. His resignation came shortly after he accepted a controversial motion in the Rajya Sabha, led by opposition MPs, seeking the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma—a High Court judge under investigation after large sums of cash were recovered from his residence.
The acceptance of this motion preempted the government’s strategy to initiate similar proceedings in the Lok Sabha, where it had already secured MP signatures. Mr. Dhankhar’s move is perceived as a challenge to the government’s narrative control and appears to have triggered a swift response from the Centre.
Sources confirm that the Prime Minister was promptly briefed. High-level meetings followed, involving senior ministers and party strategists. MPs were directed to stay in Delhi for four days and support a counter-motion.
Shortly thereafter, Mr. Dhankhar submitted his resignation—before delivering any official explanation beyond health concerns. Opposition leaders, viewing this as an orchestrated political fallout, raised the issue during the Rajya Sabha Working Advisory Committee meeting, demanding that Mr. Dhankhar be allowed to give a farewell speech in the House.
To further highlight the perceived disregard for protocol, opposition parties are hosting a private farewell dinner to give Mr. Dhankhar a dignified send-off. However, sources suggest that the former Vice President is unlikely to accept the invitation, maintaining a low profile since his resignation.
In the wake of this development, the Election Commission has appointed Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody as the returning officer for the upcoming vice-presidential election.
As per Article 68(2) of the Indian Constitution, there is no fixed timeline to conduct a vice-presidential election in the event of a resignation. The law merely requires the election to be held “as soon as possible.”
The political undercurrents surrounding Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation continue to unfold, raising questions about internal rifts, procedural fairness, and the evolving power dynamics between Parliament and the judiciary.
