Political Leaders and Activists Weigh In on Dhankhar’s Exit and the Race for India’s Next Vice President
New Delhi- The sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons, has sparked a wave of reactions across social media and political circles. As the nation processes this unexpected development, prominent personalities, activists, and leaders have shared their thoughts, raising questions about the reasons behind the resignation and speculation about who will succeed Dhankhar as India’s next Vice President. Here’s a roundup of key reactions and what they reveal about the political landscape.
Noted lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan did not mince words in his reaction to Dhankhar’s resignation. Posting on X, Bhushan wrote:
“Glad that we will not have to suffer Dhankar any more as Vice President. He was easily the worst VP who as Chairman of Rajya Sabha didn’t allow any discussion not liked by the govt, to which he was servile. But Lok Sabha speaker is worse than him. Will we now get someone worse as VP?” Bhushan’s sharp criticism reflects the sentiments of some opposition figures who viewed Dhankhar’s tenure as biased toward the ruling government.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed shock at the abrupt resignation, hinting at underlying motives. In a post on X, he stated:
“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. Clearly, there is far more to this totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye.” Ramesh also praised Dhankhar’s efforts to balance government and opposition interests, noting, “Shri Jagdeep Dhankar’s resignation speaks highly of him. It also speaks poorly of those who had got him elected as Vice President in the first instance.” His comments have fueled speculation about political pressures or undisclosed reasons behind Dhankhar’s exit.
Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal shared a more personal reflection, emphasizing his long-standing relationship with Dhankhar. He said:
“I wish him the best of health, because I am saddened, because I have a very good relationship with him. I have known him for 30-40 years. We were paired with each other. We have appeared against each other in matters. We have a bonhomie between us that is quite unique. I always respected him, and he always respected me.” Sibal also acknowledged Dhankhar’s patriotism and fairness, stating, “He is a nationalist and patriot. He wanted the opposition and the government to work together to enhance India’s standing in the world.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi took issue with attempts to portray Dhankhar’s tenure as balanced. In a pointed response on X, she countered Jairam Ramesh’s remarks, saying:
“[I dismiss] the claim that he ‘took both the Government and the Opposition to task in equal measure’ as false, reminding critics that the Opposition had once been compelled to bring a no-confidence motion against him.” Chaturvedi’s statement highlights the tensions between Dhankhar and opposition parties during his time as Rajya Sabha Chairman.
TMC MP Kirti Azad offered a blend of well-wishes and criticism, stating:
“I wish him a speedy recovery. As far as his role as the Governor of Bengal is concerned, he was often at loggerheads with the state government. His tenure was highly controversial; he rarely allowed the Opposition a chance to speak.” Azad’s comments reflect the polarized views on Dhankhar’s leadership style and his interactions with opposition parties.
Congress Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram kept his response brief and courteous, posting on X:
“Vice President of India Mr Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned citing ‘medical reasons’. I wish him good health and a long life.” His measured tone contrasts with the more critical reactions from other opposition leaders.
CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar expressed surprise at the resignation, suggesting it might stem from dissatisfaction. He remarked: “It is something quite unexpected, and we don’t know what the reasons are. 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’s statement adds to the speculation about possible political undercurrents.
Questioning the timing
Congress leader Atul Londhe Patil raised doubts about the health-related explanation, commenting:
“If it truly was about health, then the resignation could have come before the Parliament session began. It’s not as if his health drastically deteriorated overnight. Maybe he wanted to take a certain stand and was asked not to.” His remarks align with those questioning the suddenness of Dhankhar’s decision.
Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Umang Singhar alleged political motivations, stating: “I believe there’s political motivation from the BJP behind this. Was his health really at risk? The way he addressed today, maybe the BJP didn’t like it.” Singhar’s accusation points to potential internal conflicts within the ruling party.
AIMIM leader Waris Pathan focused on Dhankhar’s health, saying:
“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.” Pathan’s response reflects a more sympathetic tone amid the political debates.
Political Speculation and the Road Ahead
Dhankhar’s resignation, coming on the first day of the Monsoon Session, has raised eyebrows due to its timing and the lack of prior indications. His active participation in Rajya Sabha proceedings earlier that day, including addressing an impeachment motion against a high court judge and an incident involving unclaimed cash in the House, has led to speculation about deeper political reasons.
The opposition, particularly Congress, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to persuade Dhankhar to reconsider, with Jairam Ramesh noting, “This will be in the nation’s interest. The farming community particularly will be greatly relieved.” Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA is reportedly in discussions to select a new Vice President, with names like Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh being considered. The upcoming election to fill the vacancy, mandated within six months under Article 67 of the Constitution, is expected to shape parliamentary dynamics.
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