Master, Autocrat, or Government Spokesman? The Many Labels Opposition Has Given Jagdeep Dhankhar

National News: On the evening of 21 July, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar shocked everyone by suddenly resigning from his post. He tendered his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, citing health concerns as the reason. In his letter, Dhankhar expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, and all Members of Parliament for their support during his tenure. This major development came on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament, creating a big stir in political circles.

Role as Rajya Sabha Chairman Also Comes to an End

Along with being the Vice President, Dhankhar was also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament. His resignation has now rendered the position vacant. During his time as Chairman, he often faced criticism from opposition parties, who accused him of being biased towards the government.

Opposition's Criticism: Allegations of Bias and Partiality

Throughout his tenure, the opposition parties regularly accused Dhankhar of behaving more like a government spokesperson than a neutral constitutional authority. In 2024, members of the INDIA alliance, including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Trinamool Congress, DMK, and Samajwadi Party, had even signed a no-confidence motion against him. Nearly 60 MPs supported the move, claiming he ignored constitutional norms and suppressed the voice of the opposition.

Senior leaders like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said Dhankhar behaved like a "school headmaster," interrupting opposition members frequently. Others, like Derek O'Brien and Digvijay Singh, called his approach "dictatorial." Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut remarked that he had transformed Parliament into a "tamasha-grih" (theater of drama). The most severe criticism came from Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee, who referred to Dhankhar as a "butcher of democracy."

Some opposition leaders even alleged that the Vice President often deleted opposition statements from the official records and conducted one-sided proceedings.

Opposition Clarifies: It's Not Personal, But About the Constitution

Despite these strong criticisms, opposition leaders have said their concerns were not personal. They stressed that their protests were about upholding the Constitution and preserving the dignity of the Rajya Sabha. According to them, the no-confidence motion was necessary for a constitutional debate on the Vice President’s role and conduct.

What Happens Now? Article 68 Will Guide the Election

With the resignation now official, Article 68 of the Indian Constitution will come into play. It states that a new Vice President must be elected if the post becomes vacant. The Election Commission is expected to announce the election date soon. Political discussions have already begun about who might be the next Vice President, with several names being considered.

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation has opened a new chapter in Indian politics. It not only leaves a major constitutional position vacant but also raises serious questions about parliamentary practices, political neutrality, and democratic balance. As the country prepares for a new Vice President, the focus remains on whether future leaders can uphold the dignity and fairness expected from such a high constitutional office.