Political analysts are still trying to figure out the exact reasons which led to the sudden resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on the first day of the monsoon session, and health issues are certainly not among them. While the BJP is on the backfoot following this unprecedented action, the Opposition too is unsure on whether Dhankhar would speak out and explain what led to his taking such a drastic step.
The erstwhile Chairman of the Rajya Sabha had been under fire from the Opposition parties for his arbitrary decisions in the House which were perceived to be anything but neutral. In fact, it was barely six months ago, that a no-confidence motion against him was moved by parties opposed to the BJP, but the matter remained inconclusive due to technical reasons. Observers of Parliament proceedings for decades had found that the presiding officers of both the Houses had not been impartial in their rulings which were one-sided, and favoured the Treasury Benches, while putting the Opposition on notice.
Therefore, in such a background, Dhankhar’s dropping a political bombshell was never anticipated. Even the BJP’s top leaders with whom the former VP had some sort of confrontation never thought that he would resign. Their objective was to perhaps scare him into submission. There are multiple versions which have been doing the rounds regarding the reasons, and till Dhankhar himself comes out to clear the air, more and more reports would continue to be discussed and debated in political circles. It is being said that Dhankhar was extremely upset after the no-confidence motion was moved against him and decided to soften his adversaries.
Whether this was done to elevate his own status or in pursuance of any political agenda is a subject of speculation. The fact remains that he started meeting Opposition leaders and empathizing with their views privately. The story is that he even had a long interaction with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and those who were privy to this described this exchange of ideas as “cordial” and “positive”. In addition, Dhankhar reached out to select media persons, some of whom were considered to be left of the centre and who were critical of the current government. One of the journalists is understood to have shared what he stated with certain top BJP leaders, who had been watching Dhankhar from the sidelines.
The government had during this period been gathering information on his activities and it was discovered that he had been visiting various parts, particularly districts which had large number of farmers. His speeches gave an impression that he was trying to espouse their cause and become their well-wisher and leader. Shortly before the Parliament session commenced, Dhankhar met AAP leaders including former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal. After the news came out regarding this meeting, a senior BJP leader asked him that where was the need to meet Kejriwal at all. Dhankhar’s retort was curt as he said that it was nobody’s business whom he met and none could tell him whom to meet. The first day of the session appeared normal but when the then Chairman decided to admit the Opposition’s motion on Justice Verma’s impeachment, the BJP was miffed.
In the House, party chief J.P. Nadda sent a worrying signal when while speaking he said that what he was stating would only go on record and nothing else. This is the prerogative of the Chair and Dhankhar watched quietly. There were reports of BJP MPs being made to sign blank papers at the office of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh but what precipitated the matter was when both Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijju were absent at the Business Advisory Committee meeting, which was crucial. Dhankhar was getting the message that he was on the BJP’s hit list but initially decided to ignore it and prepared for a dinner engagement at a Cabinet minister’s residence. In between, he received a call from a senior functionary of the government. There were exchanges during the conversation.
The functionary went on to tell him that he should listen to what he was supposed to do. The government had enough information on him and it would be in his own interest that he should resign. The senior functionary perhaps expected Dhankhar to fall at his feet and fall in line under the resignation threat. However, the former VP, after a quick discussion with his family members, decided to make an unscheduled visit to the President to hand over his papers, leaving the BJP completely unprepared for this eventuality. The BJP was as surprised by the resignation as was the Opposition.
The Prime Minister took 18 hours to send a terse message giving his reaction. The Opposition had a field day putting the government on the defensive. Dhankhar has since then kept silent except sharing his thoughts with those close to him. Rahul Gandhi contacted him and offered to hold a farewell dinner for him since it would be a “befitting send-off” to someone who held a constitutional position. The invitation was politely declined. The BJP is trying to downplay the resignation and speculation has begun on who would succeed him. This itself is going to be a major challenge.
