Opposition parties question timing of Dhankar's resignation: ‘If health was the concern, then…’

Dhankar’s resignation, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, was with immediate effect

Jagdeep Dhankar’s unexpected resignation citing health reasons has evoked various reactions from across parties, with the Congress saying that clearly, there is "far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye".

The timing of the announcement, made on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, has also raised eyebrows.

The Congress also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convince Dhankhar to change his mind.

“The sudden resignation of the Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is as shocking as it is inexplicable. I was with him alongside a number of other MPs till around 5 PM today and had spoken to him over the phone at 7:30 PM. No doubt Mr. Dhankar has to give topmost priority to his health. But clearly there is far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye. This is not the time for speculation though,” Jairam Ramesh posted on X.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, “It’s his choice and the choice of the government. We have no say in this.”

However, senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said he would not speculate on the reasons behind Dhankhar's resignation and described him as one of the most active and engaging Chairmen the Rajya Sabha has seen.

He also praised Dhankhar's consistent efforts to foster cooperation across party lines and extended his wishes for his good health.

Communist Party of India (CPI) MP P Sandosh Kumar said the development is quite unexpected. "I don't think that the president of India will accept it. This might be an initial reaction from his side. He might be dissatisfied with some developments," Kumar told PTI.

AIMIM leader Waris Pathan said, "I saw that the Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar has submitted his resignation. He wrote to the President of India. He gave medical reasons for this. We can only pray that his health improves quickly...."

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said the news of the vice president resigning due to health reasons was “concerning”. “We sincerely pray for his well-being. However, a question arises, today marked the first day of the Monsoon session, and his resignation on the same day raises eyebrows,” he said.

He also claimed this decision came without proper consultation or discussion. “If health was the concern, the resignation could have been submitted a few days before the session or even after," he said.

Dhankar’s resignation, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, was with immediate effect, and hence it is unlikely that he will be presiding over the Rajya Sabha in his capacity as its ex-officio Chairman Tuesday.

“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,” Dhankhar, 74, said in his letter to the President.