The Congress on Wednesday criticised the government for failing to hold a farewell ceremony for former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned from his post over three months ago. The party’s communications chief Jairam Ramesh said it has been “exactly 100 days” since Dhankhar stepped down and yet “no word” has been spoken about him since.
Congress questions silence around Dhankhar’s exit
In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh wrote, “Suddenly and shockingly, in the late hours of the night on July 21st, the Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankar resigned. That he was forced to do so - even though he sang the praises of the PM day in and day out - was obvious.”
Ramesh said it was “unfortunate” that the former vice president had been “silent, unseen and unheard” for 100 days, despite being a regular public figure during his tenure.
Also Read: Union Cabinet approves the Terms of Reference for 8th pay commission
He added that while Dhankhar, as Rajya Sabha Chairman, was often critical of the Opposition, “he still deserves a farewell in keeping with democratic traditions - but that has not happened.”
Opposition demands explanation
The Congress had earlier questioned the government’s silence following Dhankhar’s sudden resignation, alleging that the “reasons were far deeper” than the medical issues cited by him. The party said his departure “speaks highly of him but poorly of those who got him elected to the post.”
Dhankhar, 74, who took office in August 2022 and was expected to serve till 2027, resigned on July 21, the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament. His resignation came as a surprise across political circles.
Also Read: MP Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya's comment on Australian players sparks outrage
New vice president takes charge
On September 12, Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was sworn in as India’s 15th vice president, an event that marked Dhankhar’s first public appearance since stepping down.
During his tenure, Dhankhar had several confrontations with Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha, even facing a rare impeachment motion, which was later rejected by Deputy Chairman Harivansh.
With Congress now reviving questions over his “forced exit,” Dhankhar’s silence and the government’s lack of acknowledgment has turned into a fresh flashpoint in the political arena.
