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Political storm in Rajasthan after Jagdeep Dhankhar''s sudden resignation; Congress targets BJP

Political Storm in Rajasthan After Jagdeep Dhankhar's Sudden Resignation: Congress Targets BJP

Jaipur: A major political upheaval has gripped Rajasthan following the abrupt resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice President of India, on July 22, 2025. Dhankhar, a prominent figure from Rajasthan and a key Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, tendered his resignation in a move that has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape. The announcement, made via a brief statement from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, cited "personal reasons" but has fueled intense speculation and accusations, with the opposition Congress party launching a scathing attack on the BJP, alleging internal rifts and governance failures.

Dhankhar's resignation comes at a time when Rajasthan is already navigating turbulent political waters. The state, under BJP rule since the 2023 assembly elections, has been dealing with issues like water scarcity, farmer unrest, and allegations of corruption in infrastructure projects. Dhankhar, who hails from Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan and has deep roots in the Jat community, was seen as a stabilizing force for the BJP in the state. His elevation to the Vice Presidency in 2022 was celebrated as a win for Rajasthan's representation at the national level. However, his sudden exit has left many questioning the underlying motives.

Sources close to the matter suggest that Dhankhar's decision may stem from growing dissatisfaction with the central BJP leadership's handling of state affairs. Insiders claim that Dhankhar had expressed concerns over the party's strategy in Rajasthan, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP faced setbacks in several key constituencies. "There were murmurs of discontent regarding policy decisions that affected rural voters, especially farmers," said a senior BJP functionary on condition of anonymity. Dhankhar, known for his outspoken nature during his tenure as Governor of West Bengal, where he frequently clashed with the Trinamool Congress government, has always positioned himself as a defender of constitutional values and rural interests.

The Congress party wasted no time in capitalizing on the development. Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra led the charge, accusing the BJP of "orchestrating a crisis" to deflect attention from its failures. In a fiery press conference in Jaipur, Dotasra stated, "Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation is not just personal; it's a symptom of the rot within the BJP. The party is crumbling under the weight of its own arrogance and mismanagement. Why would a sitting Vice President resign suddenly if not for deep-seated issues in the leadership?" He further alleged that Dhankhar was sidelined by the BJP high command, pointing to reports of friction between Dhankhar and certain Union ministers over agricultural policies.

The opposition's narrative has gained traction amid ongoing protests in Rajasthan. Farmers in the Shekhawati region, Dhankhar's home turf, have been agitating for better irrigation facilities and loan waivers. Congress leaders claim that Dhankhar's resignation is linked to his inability to influence the central government on these matters. "Dhankhar was a Jat leader who promised much to his community, but the BJP failed to deliver. This resignation exposes the hollowness of their promises," remarked Sachin Pilot, former Deputy Chief Minister and a prominent Congress face in the state. Pilot, who has been rallying support in rural areas, suggested that this could be a turning point for the opposition ahead of the next assembly polls.

The BJP, on its part, has downplayed the resignation, terming it a "personal choice" and emphasizing Dhankhar's contributions to the nation. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma issued a statement praising Dhankhar's service and wishing him well. "Shri Dhankhar has been an inspiration for all of us in Rajasthan. His decision is respected, and the party remains united," Sharma said. However, internal sources reveal unease within the BJP ranks. Some MLAs fear that Dhankhar's exit could alienate the Jat vote bank, which constitutes about 12-15% of Rajasthan's electorate and has historically swung between parties.

This isn't the first time Dhankhar has been at the center of controversy. His tenure as West Bengal Governor from 2019 to 2022 was marked by repeated confrontations with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, earning him the moniker of a "troubleshooter" for the BJP. As Vice President, he presided over the Rajya Sabha with a firm hand, often drawing criticism from opposition parties for his rulings. Political analysts believe his resignation might be tied to broader national dynamics, including the BJP's performance in recent by-elections and the evolving alliance politics post-2024.

The fallout has extended beyond Rajasthan, with national leaders weighing in. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted, "The sudden resignation of VP Dhankhar raises serious questions about stability in the NDA government. Is this the beginning of more exits?" Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra defended the party, accusing the Congress of "spreading misinformation" and urging focus on development issues.

In Rajasthan, the political storm has manifested in street protests and social media campaigns. Supporters of Dhankhar gathered outside his ancestral home in Khetri, demanding clarity on his resignation. "He is our pride; if he left, there must be a big reason," said a local farmer leader. The Congress has announced plans for statewide rallies to "expose BJP's failures," starting from Jaipur and extending to Jodhpur and Bikaner.

Experts predict that this development could reshape Rajasthan's political equation. "Dhankhar's resignation might embolden anti-BJP forces, especially in rural belts," noted political commentator Rajesh Sharma. With the state assembly's term ending in 2028, but by-elections and local polls on the horizon, the BJP faces the challenge of damage control. The party may look to appoint a new Jat leader to fill the void, but Dhankhar's stature is hard to replace.

Historically, Rajasthan has seen such resignations trigger shifts in power. The 2018 assembly elections, where Congress ousted the BJP, were preceded by internal BJP discord. Similarly, this event could signal vulnerabilities in the ruling party's hold. As investigations into the resignation's motives continue— with rumors of a potential memoir or political comeback by Dhankhar— the state remains on edge.

The Congress's targeting of the BJP extends to policy critiques. They have highlighted the central government's handling of the Agnipath scheme, which has faced backlash from Rajasthan's youth, many of whom aspire to join the armed forces. "Dhankhar, as a former soldier's advocate, might have clashed over this," alleged a Congress spokesperson. Additionally, water disputes with neighboring states like Haryana have been a sore point, with Dhankhar reportedly pushing for better negotiations.

In the broader context, Dhankhar's career trajectory—from a lawyer in Rajasthan High Court to Union Minister, and then to gubernatorial and vice-presidential roles—reflects his rise through sheer determination. Born in a modest family in 1951, he joined the BJP in the 1980s and served as an MP from Jhunjhunu. His advocacy for farmers' rights, including during the 2020-21 farm laws protests, made him a relatable figure.

As the dust settles, questions linger: Will Dhankhar return to active politics in Rajasthan? Could this lead to a no-confidence motion or early elections? The BJP has scheduled an emergency meeting of its state unit to strategize, while Congress is mobilizing its cadre for what it calls a "people's movement" against the government.

This resignation, shrouded in mystery, underscores the fragility of political alliances in India. In Rajasthan, a state known for its desert resilience and royal history, the political sands are shifting once again. Observers will watch closely as the Congress presses its advantage, potentially turning Dhankhar's exit into a catalyst for change. Whether this storm subsides or escalates into a full-blown crisis remains to be seen, but for now, it has undeniably rattled the corridors of power in Jaipur and Delhi alike.

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