Sudden twist

 

THE sheer suddenness of the development is stunning -- the unexpected resignation of Vice President Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar from the position he held with such aplomb for three years. Until the moment his resignation letter became public, there was no indication whatsoever that the dour and learned Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar would say ‘quits’ citing health reasons. Though the reasons of his indifferent health may have some substance, there also are reasons to suspect that there could be some other and more potent triggers for his precipitate decision. No matter all that, it is beyond doubt that Mr. Dhankhar is a pre-eminent public figure that made good impact on public affairs and public discourse -- thanks to his learnedness, his scholarship, his long years of public service in high positions, and most importantly his courage to take positions on critical issues and stand his ground no matter what. Whether anybody agreed with his positions or not, it has always been obvious that Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar influenced India’s public discourse in his own way.

 

As Mr. Dhankhar went through the motions of the parliamentary work throughout the day, there was no indication about any storm that could be brewing with the Vice President. In a late afternoon meeting in which he participated, others could not imagine that in a few more hours, Mr. Dhankhar would become the first Vice President of India to have resigned on health grounds. There were a couple of others who stepped down as Vice President, but for obvious and stated reasons of other interests including contesting presidential elections. That was the reason political circles were shocked to hear the news that Mr. Dhankhar had sent his resignation to President Mrs. Droupadi Murmu -- requesting for immediate effect of his move. Superficially, there is no reason to suspect any motive for Mr. Dhankhar’s resignation other than his health.

 

The nation had seen him getting admitted to hospital and treated for some cardiac issues. The people had also seen him collapse unconscious for a while at a public function a few days ago. Yet, when Mr. Dhankhar arrived at the Parliament Complex on the first day of the Monsoon Session, he looked absolutely fit and fine and found indulging in his easy banter and smart one-liners during conversations with people. And then came the news late evening that Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar had put in his papers. Political loose talk has it that two Union Ministers, Mr. Kirren Rijiju and Mr. J.P. Nadda, did not attend the Business Advisory Committee meeting in the late afternoon in which Mr. Dhankhar was present along with other members.

 

Doubts are also being raised about the possible stand Mr. Dhankhar was expected to take as regards some matters related to judiciary. The political gossip states further that the Government wanted to avoid a possible confrontation with Mr. Dhankhar on those issues. These subtle political undercurrents may have been the reasons for Mr. Dhankhar’s precitipate decision to resign from the post he held with such distinction. No matter the fine political details of the developments before and after his resignation, it is clear that many clandestine triggers must have worked on Mr. Dhankhar’s mind as he mulled quitting -- and finally sent in his letter to the President. Given the style of functioning of the Narendra Modi Government, some of those details may never come out in the open. Thus, many people may keep guessing the reasons for the sudden resignation of Mr. Dhankhar. But it must be admitted -- beyond politics -- that Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar has been a man of rare merit and put his stamp on every assignment and position of responsibility he held in his illustrious public career. His quitting has added a strange twist to India’s top-level politics, nevertheless.