VP Dhankhar Steps Down on Day One of Monsoon Session: Turmoil in Upper House

In a move that caught political corridors off guard, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar submitted his resignation on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, triggering a wave of speculation, political maneuvering, and emotional reactions across party lines. With two full years remaining in his term, Dhankhar's sudden exit has set off a political earthquake in New Delhi, prompting questions about the real reasons behind the departure and what lies ahead for the Rajya Sabha.

A Sudden Exit That Stunned Parliament

The announcement came just moments before he was scheduled to preside over proceedings in the Rajya Sabha, catching even senior members of the House by surprise. Officials from the Vice-President’s Secretariat confirmed that Dhankhar’s resignation had been submitted to the President earlier that morning.

As per protocol, President Droupadi Murmu has the discretion to accept or hold the resignation, but insiders say the letter was brief, formal, and “final in tone.” The resignation sent tremors through Parliament, which was gearing up for what was expected to be a heated monsoon session already charged with debates on inflation, unemployment, and upcoming assembly elections.

Possible Reasons Behind the Departure

While no official explanation was given in the resignation letter, political analysts and insiders have floated several possible theories behind the abrupt exit:

1. Tensions with the Government: Despite being nominated by the ruling NDA in 2022, Dhankhar’s recent public statements had shown signs of divergence from the government line. Some speculate he was uncomfortable with the growing politicization of the Upper House, and may have chosen principle over position.

2. Parliamentary Gridlock: The Rajya Sabha has witnessed constant disruptions over the past year. Reports suggest Dhankhar had privately expressed dissatisfaction over being “reduced to a referee” in a House increasingly marred by walkouts and verbal clashes.

3. Personal or Health Reasons: A section of observers believes personal or health-related issues may have played a role, although sources close to the former Vice-President dismissed this as “unlikely.”

4. Larger Political Ambitions: A more intriguing theory gaining traction is that Dhankhar may be preparing for a bigger political role, possibly even within the ruling party or as a consensus candidate for a major constitutional post ahead of 2027.

Opposition and Government Reactions

The resignation drew mixed reactions across the aisle. While the ruling BJP expressed surprise and respect for Dhankhar’s decision, the opposition parties seized the moment to critique the government’s handling of parliamentary decorum.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge called it a “reflection of the institutional crisis Parliament is facing.” TMC’s Derek O’Brien tweeted, “When even the Chair walks away, it says a lot about the state of democracy.”

Meanwhile, Union Ministers including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh offered tributes to Dhankhar’s “dignified conduct,” describing his stint as Vice-President as one of “assertive integrity.”

Legacy as Vice-President

Jagdeep Dhankhar, who took office in August 2022 after serving as Governor of West Bengal, brought a fierce legal mind and no-nonsense approach to his role. Known for frequently quoting the Constitution on the Rajya Sabha floor, he was praised for his efforts to maintain parliamentary discipline but also criticized for alleged partiality during contentious debates.

He often locked horns with opposition MPs, especially during debates involving contentious bills such as the farm law repeals, electoral reforms, and the data protection bill.

Yet, his defenders say he stood firm in defending parliamentary procedure and did not hesitate to call out disruptions, regardless of which party was responsible.

Impact on the Monsoon Session

With the Vice-President also being the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, his resignation has left a vacuum in parliamentary leadership at a critical time. The monsoon session is typically one of the most important in the calendar, and this year's agenda includes discussions on major legislation, including:

• The Uniform Civil Code draft bill (if tabled)

• Amendments to the Telecom Bill

• Budgetary demands for grants

• Deliberations on the NEET controversy and university autonomy

Without a presiding officer, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh is expected to take charge temporarily. However, any legislative progress is likely to be affected as MPs across parties grapple with the political shockwave caused by Dhankhar’s exit.

What’s Next: The Race for a Successor

With the Vice-President’s seat now vacant, focus will quickly shift to the election of a new Rajya Sabha chairperson. Under the Constitution, a new Vice-President must be elected within six months of a vacancy, but given the importance of the role, parties are expected to push for a faster resolution.

Names already doing the rounds include:

• Piyush Goyal, current Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha

• Sushilkumar Shinde, veteran Congress leader (in case of a consensus pick)

• Venkaiah Naidu, Dhankhar’s predecessor (unlikely, but rumored)

• A “dark horse” technocrat or judge seen as politically neutral

Political equations, especially with the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections looming, will heavily influence the outcome. The BJP currently holds the numerical edge but may consider a neutral nominee to avoid opposition backlash.

A Moment of Constitutional Uncertainty

In the constitutional setup, the Vice-President is more than a ceremonial figure. As Chairperson of the Upper House, they serve as the guardian of debate, legislation, and decorum. Dhankhar’s abrupt exit not only leaves a procedural void but also raises serious concerns about the state of India's parliamentary democracy.

Is the system becoming too adversarial for even its presiding officers to function? Or is this an isolated act by a man choosing conscience over compromise?

Only time will reveal the full truth, but for now, Delhi remains abuzz with questions and few answers.

 End of an Unfinished Chapter

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation marks the end of a tenure filled with dramatic moments, sharp interventions, and constitutional complexity. Whether driven by frustration, ambition, or strategy, his departure is a rare and powerful political statement.

As the monsoon session moves forward without its chair, and parties prepare for yet another high-stakes electoral season, one thing is certain—Dhankhar’s exit has reshuffled more than just parliamentary seating arrangements. It has jolted the very foundation of how Indian politics sees authority, dissent, and leadership.