Jagdeep Dhankar’s resignation, citing health, has been swiftly followed by unusual actions – his office sealed, and staff disbanded.
BY PC Bureau
Delhi, July 23, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events, former Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, resigned from his post on Monday, July 21, 2025, citing health concerns, only to be followed by swift actions that have fueled intense political speculation.
Dhankhar’s Vice President’s office has been sealed, and his official social media team disbanded. The rapid pace of these actions has sparked speculation over whether the resignation was entirely voluntary or the result of political fallout. However, in a late night press release, the government has denied any such decisions.
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The sealing of the office and the removal of the social media team indicate a possible intent to limit Dhankhar’s access to official resources and public communication channels post-resignation. These measures, if accurate, are unusual for a high-ranking constitutional figure and have led to questions about whether they reflect procedural protocol or a deliberate move to distance Dhankhar from his former role.
A Sudden Departure
Dhankhar, 74, submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu under Article 67(a) of the Constitution, citing medical advice as the reason. The resignation was accepted within 24 hours, with a gazette notification issued on July 22, bringing his tenure to an abrupt close—two years ahead of schedule.
With his exit, Dhankhar becomes only the third Vice President in Indian history to resign mid-term, after V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman.
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Even before formal acceptance of his resignation, Dhankhar reportedly began vacating the Vice President’s Enclave, a high-security residence. Sources say he may be relocated to a Type VIII government bungalow, a privilege typically reserved for senior Cabinet ministers and party leaders.
Signs of Political Fallout
The sealing of Dhankhar’s office and the dismissal of his digital communications team has added a layer of intrigue to what was officially described as a personal health decision. Though not confirmed by the government, multiple social media accounts and unofficial sources claim these steps were taken within 48 hours of the resignation.
जगदीप धनखड़ को घर खाली करने का नोटिस भेजा गया.
दफ्तर सील हुआ.
जगदीप धनखड़ की सोशल मीडिया टीम को भी हटाया गया.
सम्मानजनक विदाई ❓❓ pic.twitter.com/4soAi0D5JJ
— Govind Pratap Singh | GPS (@govindprataps12) July 23, 2025
Political observers are questioning whether this response aligns with established constitutional protocols—or if it reflects a deliberate move to distance Dhankhar from power and public discourse.
Opposition Cries Foul
Opposition leaders have been quick to challenge the official narrative. Congress’s Jairam Ramesh labelled the resignation “forced and unprecedented,” noting that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media message wishing Dhankhar good health lacked any mention of his service.
Several senior leaders, including Sharad Pawar, Sanjay Raut, and Akhilesh Prasad Singh, tried to meet Dhankhar on Tuesday but were reportedly denied access. Singh claimed Dhankhar appeared in good health just hours before his resignation. “There was no sign of ill health. Something changed drastically between 1 PM and 4:30 PM on Monday,” he said.
Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant went further: “It wasn’t his health that forced him out. Someone else worsened it for him.”
Trigger: Justice Varma Motion?
Insiders believe that Dhankhar’s acceptance of a motion moved by 63 Opposition MPs for the removal of Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma, following a cash seizure scandal, was the breaking point. The government had intended to initiate its own motion in the Lok Sabha, and Dhankhar’s unilateral acceptance reportedly caught senior ministers off guard.
This move may have been perceived as an act of political defiance, triggering backchannel pressure that ultimately led to his resignation.
A Strained Tenure Ends Quietly
Dhankhar’s time in office was marked by frequent tensions. He openly criticized the judiciary on several occasions, including remarks against the collegium system and the use of Article 142. He also faced a no-confidence motion in December 2024 and had presided over the mass suspension of 146 Opposition MPs in 2023.
Despite this, the subdued response from the ruling BJP post-resignation—no Cabinet press note, no formal tribute—has deepened the sense of political unease.
With Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh temporarily assuming chair duties, the search for Dhankhar’s successor is underway. The Constitution mandates that a new Vice President be elected within 60 days.
Meanwhile, speculation continues over whether Dhankhar will maintain a low profile or follow the path of Satya Pal Malik, another former constitutional figure who turned critic post-retirement. As of now, Dhankhar has issued no public statements beyond his resignation letter.
The abrupt end to Jagdeep Dhankhar’s vice presidency, followed by the sudden shutdown of his official apparatus, has ignited political rumour mills and raised uncomfortable questions for the ruling NDA. Whether this was a routine resignation or a reflection of deeper rifts within the establishment remains to be seen.
