Jagdeep Dhankhar to vacate VP residence soon, declines meeting requests from Opposition leaders

Jagdeep Dhankhar

Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned as the Vice President of India on Monday, is set to vacate his official residence soon and he declined appointment requests from several Opposition leaders who sought his time post the surprise move.

Dhankhar began packing on Monday night itself when he sent out his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, India Today reported citing sources. Several opposition leaders had requested meetings with Dhankhar, however, the sources said he was unable to accommodate these requests.

Among the names who had requested for a meet with Dhankhar yesterday were Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and Sharad Pawar. However, they could not secure a time slot from him, the report mentioned.

Dhankhar, 74, shifted to the newly-constructed Vice President Enclave on Church Road near the Parliament House complex in April last year.

The VP Enclave housing Vice President's residence and office was constructed under the Central Vista redevelopment plan.

He stayed at the VP Enclave for nearly 15 months.

"He (Dhankhar) will be offered a Type VIII bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi or another area," an urban development ministry official told PTI on Tuesday.

The Type VIII bungalow is usually allotted to senior Union ministers or presidents of national parties.

In his letter to the President, Dhankhar cited his “health” as the primary reason for resignation. "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution."

"I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency - the Hon'ble President of India for her unwavering support and the soothing wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure," the letter added.

The Vice President also expressed his deep gratitude to PM Modi and the Council of Ministers. "Prime Minister's cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time at office," the letter read. His resignation letter was accepted by the President on Tuesday.

Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in August 2022.