The resignation of the vice president of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has shocked the nation. It was swift and came as a surprise not only to the public but seemingly to himself as well.
The vice president announced his resignation through a post on X, citing health concerns. The move left the media and the opposition perplexed. This was the same person who had a packed schedule for the very next day.
Speculation suggests that he was forced to resign after reportedly supporting an opposition move to initiate proceedings against a judge – following a massive cash recovery from the judge’s residence in connection with the Rajya Sabha – while the government was planning a similar move in the Lok Sabha. This pre-emptive action by Dhankhar allegedly embarrassed the government and gave an edge to the opposition. A party known for having its way, often by disregarding constitutional and parliamentary norms, was evidently not pleased. A topic that was likely to lead to uncomfortable questions may have been the final straw.
For months, it was increasingly evident that the vice president was putting the prime minister and the BJP in a tight spot, often attracting attention for the wrong reasons.
The office of the vice president has traditionally remained out of the spotlight. However, Dhankhar often overshadowed not just the president but, at times, even the prime minister. With his resignation, the race for the next vice president has officially begun. But more significantly, it serves as a clear message: indiscipline will not be tolerated, and everyone is expected to toe the line.