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'Political exit camouflaged as a constitutional lie': Congress on Dhankhar's resignation

Congress Slams Dhankhar's Resignation as 'Political Exit Camouflaged as Constitutional Lie'

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through India's political landscape, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar announced his resignation on July 26, 2025, citing constitutional imperatives and personal reasons. However, the opposition Congress party has swiftly dismissed this move as nothing more than a "political exit camouflaged as a constitutional lie," accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a strategic withdrawal to mitigate electoral damage ahead of upcoming state polls. This development comes amid escalating tensions between the executive and the opposition, with Dhankhar's tenure as Vice President marked by frequent clashes in Parliament, particularly during his role as the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

Dhankhar, a former Governor of West Bengal and a seasoned lawyer, was elected as India's 14th Vice President in August 2022, defeating the opposition's candidate Margaret Alva in a largely one-sided contest. His elevation to the second-highest constitutional office was seen as a reward for his loyalty to the BJP, having previously served as a vocal critic of the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal. Over the past three years, Dhankhar has been at the center of several controversies, including allegations of bias in presiding over Rajya Sabha proceedings. Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused him of stifling debates, expunging remarks critical of the government, and favoring BJP members during heated sessions on issues like farm laws, inflation, and national security.

In his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar invoked Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution, which pertains to the Vice President's term and resignation process. He stated that "profound reflections on the evolving constitutional ethos" compelled him to step down, emphasizing a desire to "uphold the sanctity of democratic institutions without the burden of office." Dhankhar further alluded to "unprecedented challenges" in maintaining parliamentary decorum, hinting at the acrimonious atmosphere in the Upper House. Sources close to him suggest that recent personal health concerns and family considerations also played a role, though these were not explicitly mentioned in the official statement.

The Congress party's response was immediate and scathing. Senior leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram led the charge, labeling the resignation a "cleverly disguised political maneuver" designed to shield the BJP from backlash over Dhankhar's perceived partisanship. "This is not a constitutional crisis; it's a constitutional lie," Chidambaram declared during a press conference in New Delhi. He argued that Dhankhar's exit is timed suspiciously close to the assembly elections in key states like Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana, where the BJP faces anti-incumbency sentiments. According to Chidambaram, the Vice President's frequent interventions in favor of the government had become a liability, eroding public trust in impartial institutions.

Echoing these sentiments, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of using constitutional offices as "pawns in their political chess game." Kharge pointed to Dhankhar's past as West Bengal Governor, where he was embroiled in turf wars with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, often escalating minor issues into national controversies. "From day one, Dhankhar has been more of a BJP spokesperson than a neutral arbiter," Kharge said. He demanded a thorough parliamentary debate on the resignation, questioning whether it was influenced by internal party pressures or external factors like the ongoing investigations into alleged corruption in West Bengal.

The controversy has deeper roots in the evolving dynamics of Indian politics. Dhankhar's tenure has been characterized by a series of high-profile confrontations. For instance, during the 2023 Monsoon Session, he expelled several opposition MPs for "unruly behavior," a move that led to widespread protests and accusations of authoritarianism. Critics argue that his style of chairing the Rajya Sabha—often interrupting opposition speakers and using sharp rebukes—mirrored the BJP's aggressive narrative against what they term "disruptive" opposition tactics. Supporters, however, praise Dhankhar for restoring discipline in a House plagued by walkouts and sloganeering.

Political analysts suggest that this resignation could be a preemptive strike by the BJP to reposition itself. With the 2024 general elections having resulted in a narrower majority for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the party is keen to avoid any scandals that could alienate moderate voters. "Dhankhar's resignation allows the BJP to install a more conciliatory figure in the Vice President's office, potentially easing tensions in Parliament," noted Dr. Rhea Kapoor, a political scientist at Jawaharlal Nehru University. She added that this move might also pave the way for Dhankhar to return to active politics, perhaps contesting from his home state of Rajasthan or taking up a gubernatorial role elsewhere.

Reactions from other opposition parties have been mixed but largely supportive of Congress's stance. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien, a frequent target of Dhankhar's reprimands, called the resignation "long overdue" and a "victory for parliamentary democracy." "For years, we've endured his biased rulings. This exit exposes the fragility of the BJP's hold on institutions," O'Brien tweeted. On the other hand, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal urged caution, warning that the government might use this opportunity to appoint an even more pliant successor.

The BJP, meanwhile, has defended Dhankhar vigorously. Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the resignation as a "personal decision rooted in constitutional wisdom," praising Dhankhar's "unwavering commitment to India's democratic fabric." Shah dismissed opposition claims as "baseless propaganda," accusing Congress of politicizing every institutional change. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra went further, alleging that the opposition's "constant heckling" had forced Dhankhar's hand. "They disrupted Parliament, disrespected the Chair, and now cry foul when he chooses dignity over discord," Patra said in a televised address.

This episode raises broader questions about the independence of constitutional offices in India. The Vice President's role, while largely ceremonial, includes presiding over the Rajya Sabha, making it a pivotal position in legislative affairs. Historical precedents, such as the resignations of previous Vice Presidents like Bhairon Singh Shekhawat or Hamid Ansari, were often linked to political transitions, but none carried the same level of acrimony as Dhankhar's. Legal experts point out that while the Constitution allows for resignation at any time, the lack of a specified reason in Dhankhar's letter leaves room for speculation.

As the nation awaits President Murmu's acceptance of the resignation—expected within days—the focus shifts to the election of a new Vice President. The process, outlined in Article 66, involves an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament. With the NDA holding a slim majority in the Rajya Sabha, the BJP is likely to push for a candidate who aligns with its ideology, possibly someone like former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi or a rising star from the party's ranks.

The implications of this resignation extend beyond immediate politics. It underscores the growing polarization in Indian democracy, where constitutional positions are increasingly viewed through partisan lenses. For the Congress, this is an opportunity to rally the opposition against what they perceive as the BJP's erosion of institutional neutrality. "This is not just about one man; it's about saving the soul of our Constitution," Chidambaram emphasized.

In the coming weeks, parliamentary sessions are likely to be dominated by debates on this issue, potentially delaying key legislation on economic reforms and social welfare. Public opinion, as reflected in early social media trends, appears divided, with #DhankharResigns trending alongside memes mocking both sides. As India navigates this constitutional moment, the true test will be whether Dhankhar's exit leads to greater harmony in Parliament or further entrenchment of divisions.

This development also highlights the personal toll on public figures. Dhankhar, known for his eloquent speeches drawing from Sanskrit texts and rural anecdotes, has often spoken of his humble beginnings as a farmer's son in Rajasthan. His journey from a small village to the Vice President's residence is a testament to India's democratic promise, yet his resignation narrative suggests underlying frustrations with the cutthroat nature of contemporary politics.

Ultimately, whether viewed as a principled stand or a calculated retreat, Dhankhar's resignation marks a pivotal chapter in India's political saga. It serves as a reminder that in the world's largest democracy, even the highest offices are not immune to the winds of change and controversy. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on how the BJP maneuvers this transition and how the opposition capitalizes on it to challenge the status quo. (Word count: 1,248)

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[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jul/26/political-exit-camouflaged-as-a-constitutional-lie-congress-on-dhankhars-resignation ]