Mamata Banerjee casts doubt on Dhankhar’s exit citing health reasons: ‘He’s a healthy man…’

Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday raised doubts over the sudden resignation of vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar, hinting at deeper issues beyond his “health”.

On being asked about Dhankhar’s resignation, the chief minister said, “I don't want to make any comment about this. Let's see what happens. He is a healthy man. I think his health is absolutely okay.”

Her remarks came a day after Dhankhar abruptly resigned from his position in a letter to President Droupadi Murmu on the very first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. He cited health reasons and medical advice as reasons behind his shocking resignation.

Dhankhar, 74, had assumed office in August 2022 and would have completed his term in 2027.

His resignation has been accepted by the President.

His resignation has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from the Opposition parties, who believe there’s more to it than what meets the eye.

#WATCH | Howrah: "I don't want to make any comment about this. Let's see what happens. He is a healthy man. I think his health is absolutely okay," says West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation pic.twitter.com/09EKlguQGK

— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2025

“The sudden resignation of the Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is as shocking as it is inexplicable. No doubt Mr Dhankhar has to give top most priority to his health. But clearly there is far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye,” Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh said on X.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party also sought a "clear explanation" from the government over the sudden resignation of Dhankhar, calling it a matter of "serious concern".

Addressing a press conference, Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh questioned the government's "silence" and the "delayed response" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We saw that the prime minister posted on X long after the resignation. This delay indicates there was no effort to persuade the vice president to reconsider," Singh said.

After President Murmu accepted Dhankhar’s resignation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put out a brief post wishing Dhankhar “good health.”

“Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health,” the PM wrote.