Jagdeep Dhankhar, a prominent Indian politician, lawyer, and former Vice President of India, has been a significant figure in the country’s political landscape. His unexpected resignation from the vice presidency on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons, sparked widespread speculation, political debates, and public curiosity about his whereabouts and future plans. As of September 2025, Dhankhar’s low profile, coupled with ongoing controversies and opposition claims, continues to keep him in the news. This 2000-word article provides a detailed overview of the latest developments surrounding Jagdeep Dhankhar, covering his resignation, post-resignation activities, political controversies, personal life, and the broader implications of his exit from one of India’s highest constitutional posts. Drawing from credible sources, this piece aims to offer a balanced and comprehensive perspective for school assemblies or general readers.
Background: Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Political Journey
Born on May 18, 1951, in Kithana, a village in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, Jagdeep Dhankhar hails from a Hindu Rajasthani Jat family. His educational journey began at Sainik School, Chittorgarh, followed by a B.Sc. and LLB from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. A distinguished lawyer, Dhankhar was designated a Senior Advocate by the Rajasthan High Court in 1990 and practiced primarily in constitutional law at the Supreme Court of India. His political career spans multiple parties, including the Janata Dal (JD), Indian National Congress (INC), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Key milestones include:
1989-1991: Represented Jhunjhunu in the 9th Lok Sabha as a Janata Dal MP.
1990-1991: Served as Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs under the Chandra Shekhar ministry.
1993-1998: Elected to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from Kishangarh.
2019-2022: Appointed Governor of West Bengal, where he navigated complex political dynamics.
2022-2025: Served as the 14th Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, assuming office on August 11, 2022, after winning the vice-presidential election with 74.37% votes.
Dhankhar’s tenure as Vice President was marked by his assertive governance and vocal advocacy for constitutional values, often leading to clashes with opposition leaders. His resignation in July 2025, however, shifted focus to his health, whereabouts, and the underlying reasons for his abrupt exit.
The Resignation: A Shocking Development
On July 21, 2025, Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as Vice President of India, citing “health concerns and the need to abide by medical advice” in his letter to President Droupadi Murmu. The announcement, made on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, stunned political circles, as Dhankhar had appeared normal while presiding over the Rajya Sabha earlier that day. The resignation, effective immediately under Article 67(a) of the Constitution, was formalized through a gazette notification, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi posting a terse message wishing him good health.
The suddenness of the resignation fueled speculation, particularly as it followed Dhankhar’s acceptance of an opposition-sponsored notice to impeach Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting high court judge, after a massive cash recovery from his residence. Sources suggest this move displeased the BJP-led NDA government, which had planned to initiate the impeachment process through the Lok Sabha to build consensus. The decision reportedly led to tensions, with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju skipping a Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting chaired by Dhankhar, signaling government disapproval. Some reports indicate that the NDA was preparing a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar, which may have prompted his resignation to avoid a public confrontation.
Post-Resignation Whereabouts and Activities
Since his resignation, Jagdeep Dhankhar has maintained a low public profile, leading to widespread speculation about his whereabouts. By September 1, 2025, he had vacated the Vice President’s Enclave near Parliament House and relocated to a private farmhouse in Chhatarpur, South Delhi, owned by INLD leader Abhay Chautala, as an interim arrangement. Official sources confirmed that Dhankhar is entitled to a Type-VIII bungalow as a former Vice President, and the Central Urban Development Ministry allocated 34 APJ Abdul Kalam Road in Lutyens’ Delhi for his residence, though he had not yet moved in by early September.
Dhankhar’s daily routine has shifted significantly from his previously packed schedule. According to aides, he spends mornings practicing yoga with an instructor, plays table tennis in the evenings at the Vice President’s Enclave’s mini sports complex, and enjoys watching political and legal thrillers like The Lincoln Lawyer and House of Cards on OTT platforms. His daughter, Kamna Vajpayee, visits him almost daily from Gurugram, while his wife, Sudesh Dhankhar, has made multiple trips to Jaipur to oversee the construction of two commercial buildings on ancestral farmland, approved by the Jaipur Development Authority in 2023 and 2024. These buildings, intended for rental purposes, mark a shift toward family-oriented financial planning.
Dhankhar’s absence from public appearances, lack of response to calls or messages, and minimal engagement with his former office have fueled rumors. Opposition leaders, including Congress’s Jairam Ramesh and Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut, have described him as a “laapataa (missing) Vice President,” with some alleging he is under “house arrest.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed these claims on August 25, 2025, emphasizing that Dhankhar resigned due to health issues and urged against “stretching” the narrative. Shah’s statement, however, did little to quell speculation, as opposition figures like Kapil Sibal raised concerns about the lack of updates from Dhankhar’s family or associates.
Political Controversies and Opposition Allegations
The circumstances surrounding Dhankhar’s resignation have sparked intense political debates. Opposition leaders argue that his decision to accept the impeachment notice against Justice Varma demonstrated “minimal independence,” which may have irked the BJP high command. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, introducing the opposition’s vice-presidential nominee, Justice (retired) B Sudershan Reddy, suggested a “big story” behind Dhankhar’s exit and silence, accusing the government of returning India to “medieval times” where dissenters are silenced. Sanjay Raut, in a letter to Amit Shah on August 11, 2025, demanded clarity on Dhankhar’s whereabouts and health, warning of a potential habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court.
The opposition’s narrative portrays Dhankhar as a victim of political pressure, with some alleging he was forced to resign to avoid a no-confidence motion. Reports indicate that the NDA collected signatures for such a motion in Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s office, signaling a breakdown in trust. Dhankhar’s earlier tenure as Rajya Sabha Chairman was contentious, with opposition leaders accusing him of partisanship. For instance, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien claimed Dhankhar spoke for 4.5 hours out of the Rajya Sabha’s 43-hour winter session in 2024, highlighting his dominant presence.
Dhankhar’s comments on constitutional supremacy also stirred controversy. In April 2025, he criticized the judiciary’s perceived overreach into executive and parliamentary domains, particularly regarding a Supreme Court order setting a timeline for presidential decisions on bills. This drew sharp responses from Congress leader Kapil Sibal, who defended the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional values. Dhankhar’s comparison of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mahatma Gandhi as a “yugpurush” in December 2024 further polarized opinions, with opposition MPs like Manickam Tagore labeling it as excessive sycophancy.
Health Concerns and Public Perception
Dhankhar’s health has been a recurring theme in 2025. In March, he was admitted to AIIMS Delhi’s Critical Care Unit after complaining of chest pain and uneasiness, raising initial concerns. His resignation letter cited medical advice, but the lack of specific details about his condition has fueled skepticism. Some speculate that health was a pretext, with the real reason being political differences with the BJP. An RTI response, as claimed in X posts, allegedly found no record of Dhankhar meeting President Murmu to submit his resignation, adding to the mystery, though such claims remain unverified.
Public perception of Dhankhar is mixed. Supporters view him as a principled constitutionalist who performed his duties diligently, as acknowledged by Amit Shah. Critics, however, see his silence as evidence of coercion or disengagement, with social media amplifying rumors of confinement. His earlier tenure as West Bengal Governor (2019-2022) was marked by tensions with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, shaping his image as a confrontational figure. His advocacy for farmers’ issues and national security, such as his support for Operation Sindoor in May 2025, earned him praise from BJP allies but criticism from opposition parties.
Implications for Indian Politics
Dhankhar’s resignation has broader implications for India’s political landscape. The vacancy triggered preparations for a new vice-presidential election, with the Election Commission constituting an electoral college of MPs from both Houses. The opposition’s nomination of B Sudershan Reddy and the NDA’s numerical advantage suggest a competitive race, though the BJP believes the issue will fade with focus shifting to the new Vice President.
The controversy highlights tensions between constitutional institutions and the executive, raising questions about the independence of high offices. Dhankhar’s exit also underscores the BJP’s intolerance for perceived dissent within its ranks, as seen in opposition claims that his “minimal independence” was his “real mistake.” For students, this saga offers a case study in constitutional roles, political dynamics, and the balance between personal health and public duty.
Personal Life and Future Plans
Dhankhar, now 74, has retreated to a quieter life, focusing on family and personal interests. His wife, Sudesh, a postgraduate in economics, is actively involved in social work and organic farming, while their daughter, Kamna, married to Kartikeya Vajpayee, supports the family’s endeavors. The construction of commercial buildings in Jaipur reflects a strategic shift toward securing financial stability post-tenure. Dhankhar’s love for legal thrillers and sports like table tennis indicates a desire to maintain mental and physical well-being.
While Dhankhar has not announced future plans, his legal expertise and political experience suggest he may remain influential, perhaps as an advisor or commentator. His silence, however, leaves open questions about whether he will re-enter public life or focus on personal pursuits.
Suggested Assembly Presentation
For school assemblies, students can present Dhankhar’s story as follows:
Introduction: Introduce Jagdeep Dhankhar as a former Vice President and his contributions to Indian politics.
Key Headlines: Highlight his resignation, health concerns, opposition allegations, and current activities.
Word of the Day: Resignation (noun) – The act of giving up a position or office. Example: “Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation as Vice President sparked widespread debate.”
Thought of the Day: “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult.” – Anonymous. Encourage students to discuss the importance of standing by principles.
Discussion Prompt: Debate whether Dhankhar’s resignation was due to health or political pressure, fostering critical thinking.
Conclusion
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on July 21, 2025, and his subsequent low profile have kept him in the spotlight, with questions lingering about his health, whereabouts, and the political pressures behind his exit. From his distinguished career as a lawyer and politician to his controversial tenure as Vice President, Dhankhar’s story reflects the complexities of India’s political system. His current routine of yoga, table tennis, and family time contrasts with the high-stakes drama of his resignation, offering students a nuanced perspective on leadership, health, and public service. As India moves toward electing a new Vice President, Dhankhar’s legacy as a constitutionalist and advocate for national interest endures, making his story a compelling topic for discussion.
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