Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Sudden Resignation Sparks Constitutional and Political Debate

The unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as the Vice-President of India has triggered serious questions about the balance of power between the executive and the Parliament, as well as signaling possible internal turbulence within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Dhankhar’s abrupt departure is unprecedented. Unlike his predecessors who resigned to pursue higher constitutional roles—such as the Presidency—Dhankhar’s exit appears to be driven by deeper political and institutional tensions.

While his official resignation, tendered on July 22, 2025, cites health reasons, the timing and context suggest otherwise. Just a day prior, he had actively presided over the first day of the monsoon session and had scheduled several public engagements for the week. Although he had a health episode earlier this year, there was no indication that it would lead to stepping down from office.

Flashpoint: Judicial Accountability vs Executive Will

Monday’s events (July 21) seem to have been the tipping point. Mr. Dhankhar’s interpretation and enforcement of parliamentary rules conflicted with the government’s plan to initiate proceedings against a Delhi High Court judge accused of corruption. This clash highlighted the ongoing strain between judicial accountability and executive influence, with Dhankhar apparently refusing to toe the government’s line.

He had earlier accepted a motion from the Opposition to impeach Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court, who was criticized for making communal remarks. He had also taken steps regarding a similar motion against the Delhi judge. By adhering to parliamentary norms and verifying MP signatures, Dhankhar acted within his constitutional role—but these actions appear to have brought him into direct conflict with the central government.

A Controversial Tenure as Rajya Sabha Chair

Mr. Dhankhar’s term as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has not been without controversy. Known for his partisan approach, he drew criticism from the Opposition, which even led to a historic motion seeking his removal—a first in Indian parliamentary history.

He stirred debate by questioning the inclusion of ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ in the Preamble of the Constitution, aligning publicly with the RSS’s ideological stance. He consistently positioned himself as a defender of parliamentary supremacy, often at odds with the judiciary’s autonomy, which some critics saw as undermining constitutional checks and balances.

What His Resignation Means for Indian Democracy

The resignation of a sitting Vice-President over unresolved tensions with the executive is more than just a political event—it raises concerns about the health of India’s democratic institutions. When a constitutional authority like the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha feels compelled to resign amidst conflict over procedure and independence, it signals an erosion in the spirit of institutional balance.

While speculations around the real reasons behind his decision continue, one fact stands out: India’s parliamentary democracy has been dealt a blow. The episode also reflects increasing friction within the ruling establishment and raises questions about the extent of internal democracy within major political parties.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• Jagdeep Dhankhar is the first Vice-President to resign without pursuing the Presidency.
• Officially cited health reasons, but signs point to a standoff with the executive.
• His insistence on parliamentary rules regarding judicial removal motions triggered tension.
• The resignation highlights concerns over constitutional checks and institutional independence.
• Marks a turning point in executive-legislative-judiciary relations in India.