There is far more to Dhankhar’s totally unexpected resignation: Congress

New Delhi: The political corridors of Delhi were rocked late Monday evening by the abrupt resignation of Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Reacting within hours, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the move “as shocking as it is inexplicable,” and raised concerns about what may have precipitated the decision.

Ramesh, who recounted having been with Dhankhar and other MPs until around 5 PM and then speaking with him by phone at 7:30 PM, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disbelief. “No doubt Mr. Dhankhar 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,” he said.

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…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 21, 2025

According to Ramesh, Dhankhar had a packed official calendar, including a scheduled meeting of the Business Advisory Committee at 1 PM on Tuesday and anticipated major announcements concerning the judiciary. The suddenness of his departure, especially when such significant parliamentary business was planned, has only deepened the sense of mystery around the resignation.

“Mr. Dhankhar took both the Government and the Opposition to task in equal measure,” Ramesh added, describing him as an assertive and balanced presiding officer who was known for his strong interventions. He urged the Vice President to reconsider, appealing to the Prime Minister to intervene and persuade Dhankhar to stay on.

“This will be in the nation's interest. The farming community particularly will be greatly relieved,” he wrote, alluding to Dhankhar’s agrarian background and his longstanding advocacy for farmers’ causes.

Dhankhar’s resignation, citing medical advice and personal health priorities, was announced on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, catching both government and opposition benches off guard. As the process for electing a new Vice President begins, speculation is rife about the broader circumstances surrounding his exit.

Ramesh’s reaction reflects the surprise and concern rippling through political circles, with many wondering whether Dhankhar’s departure signals deeper challenges within the parliamentary or political establishment. For now, the nation awaits further clarification, even as calls for the Vice President to reconsider his decision grow louder.