With no farewell speech allowed in Rajya Sabha, opposition leaders seek to give Dhankhar a dignified send-off—though he may decline the invitation.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi – Days after former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation, opposition parties have extended an invitation to him for a farewell dinner, sources confirmed. While the gathering is intended as a dignified send-off, there is growing speculation that Mr. Dhankhar may decline the invite.
Officially, the 74-year-old cited health concerns as the reason for stepping down. However, the resignation came on the heels of a week marked by intense political turbulence, with many in political circles viewing his departure as more than a personal decision.
Mr. Dhankhar’s resignation has sparked disquiet in Parliament. Opposition leaders, pointing out that he was not allowed to deliver a farewell speech, raised the matter in the Rajya Sabha’s Working Advisory Committee, demanding that he be given a platform to address the House. The proposed farewell dinner is seen as both a symbolic gesture and a subtle rebuke to the manner in which his exit was handled.
#Breaking | Oppn plans ‘farewell’ for Ex-V-P Jagdeep Dhankhar?
Exclusive scoop on Oppn’s plan:
– Scoop: Oppn invites Dhankhar– Scoop: ‘farewell’ dinner invite sent
– ‘No confirmation from ex-VP yet’
He should be getting a farewell…: @IPSinghSp tells @DEKAMEGHNA… pic.twitter.com/3NKSUQz9ma
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 25, 2025
According to insiders, the chain of events that led to the resignation began with Mr. Dhankhar’s controversial decision in his capacity as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. On Monday, he accepted a motion—moved by Opposition MPs—seeking the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, a High Court judge under investigation after significant cash seizures at his residence.
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This move reportedly caught the Centre off-guard. The government had prepared a separate motion for initiation of proceedings in the Lok Sabha, and signatures from opposition MPs had already been gathered for that purpose. The intention was for the government to take the lead and control the narrative surrounding judicial accountability.
Mr. Dhankhar’s decision to admit the Rajya Sabha motion preempted that plan. Soon after, the Prime Minister was briefed, and a high-level emergency meeting was convened involving top ministers. MPs were instructed to sign a counter-motion and remain in Delhi for the next few days.
Within hours of being informed of the Centre’s strategy, Mr. Dhankhar tendered his resignation, triggering speculation of a serious rift over institutional independence and procedural precedence.
The Election Commission on Friday appointed Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody as the Returning Officer for the Vice Presidential election.
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Under Article 68(2) of the Constitution, there is no fixed timeline for holding the election to fill a vice-presidential vacancy arising from resignation. The Constitution merely stipulates that the process be completed “as soon as possible.”
As political parties prepare for a potential showdown over the legacy of Mr. Dhankhar’s vice-presidency, his resignation has added a new layer of constitutional and political complexity to an already fraught parliamentary landscape.
