Congress and Allies Accused of Stooping Low Over Health-Related Exit, Sparking Heated Political Debate
Published on: July 23, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: New Delhi, India
The sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons, has ignited a fierce political controversy, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Kishan lashing out at opposition parties for what he calls “shameful politics” over the issue. Dhankhar, who stepped down on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, cited medical advice as the reason for his exit, but opposition leaders have questioned the timing and motives, prompting a sharp rebuke from the ruling party.
Ravi Kishan’s Fiery Response
Speaking to the media, Ravi Kishan, a prominent BJP MP, condemned the opposition for allegedly mocking Dhankhar’s health condition and using it as a political weapon. “The opposition is making fun of someone’s health condition and doing politics on it. One has seen healthy people falling and dying suddenly, too. Who knows when someone becomes sick? The doctor has advised him to rest, and yet they are stooping to this level,” Kishan said, accusing the opposition of dragging politics to a new low. His comments come in response to remarks from opposition leaders, including Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, who suggested “far deeper reasons” behind Dhankhar’s resignation, pointing to tensions with the government.
Opposition’s Skepticism Fuels Tensions
Dhankhar’s resignation, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu and accepted on July 22, has sparked widespread speculation. Opposition leaders, including Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Arvind Sawant, have questioned the official health narrative, hinting at possible friction between Dhankhar and the central government. Gogoi labeled the resignation “sudden and unfortunate,” noting the absence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju from a Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting chaired by Dhankhar on July 21 as a sign of strained relations. Sawant went further, alleging that Dhankhar’s health was “deliberately made worse” by political pressures, though he provided no evidence to support the claim.
A Resignation Shrouded in Mystery
Dhankhar, who assumed office in August 2022, had a tenure marked by frequent clashes with the opposition over issues like judicial independence and parliamentary decorum. His decision to accept an opposition-sponsored motion to impeach a judge on the first day of the Monsoon Session reportedly caused friction with the government, which had planned to lead its own anti-corruption narrative in the judiciary. Some sources suggest this move may have been the “last straw,” though Dhankhar’s official statement cited only health concerns, including a recent angioplasty at AIIMS.
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BJP Defends Dhankhar, Urges Respect
Other BJP leaders, including Kangana Ranaut and Tejasvi Surya, rallied behind Dhankhar, praising his service and wishing him a speedy recovery. Ranaut expressed gratitude for his contributions to the nation, while Surya emphasized the need to respect Dhankhar’s stated reasons for resignation. “The Vice President has resigned due to health reasons. I wish Jagdeep Dhankhar ji the very best of health and a long life,” Surya said, urging the opposition to adhere to parliamentary decorum. The BJP has also dismissed opposition claims as baseless, with MP Ashok Chavan calling for trust in Dhankhar’s explanation.
A Nation Watches as Political Drama Unfolds
As the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) scrambles to select a new Vice President, with names like Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh in the fray, the opposition continues to press for clarity. Congress leaders have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convince Dhankhar to reconsider his resignation, arguing it would serve the nation’s interest, particularly for the farming community Dhankhar championed. However, with no official statement from the government beyond Modi’s brief message wishing Dhankhar good health, the resignation remains a political conundrum, fueling debates about transparency and governance.
