New Delhi, Aug.25,2025:Jagdeep Dhankhar served as India’s 14th Vice President from August 11, 2022, until his unexpected resignation on July 21, 2025. A seasoned lawyer turned politician
Dhankhar resignation health reasons take spotlight
Dhankhar resignation health reasons dominate headlines today. After a dramatic mid-term resignation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah attributes the decision purely to medical concerns. Yet the void left by former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden absence has fueled political debate and speculative intrigue.
Who is Jagdeep Dhankhar?
Jagdeep Dhankhar served as India’s 14th Vice President from August 11, 2022, until his unexpected resignation on July 21, 2025. A seasoned lawyer turned politician, he previously held key roles, including Governor of West Bengal and Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs.
What Officially Happened
Health History and Prior Alerts
Dhankhar cited prioritizing healthcare and following medical advice as the reason for his resignation under Article 67(a) of the Constitution. Notably, he faced real health issues earlier—hospitalized at AIIMS for cardiac concerns in March, and fainting at a public event in Uttarakhand in June—lending credence to his health-related claims.
Timeline of the Resignation
His resignation came as a surprise on the opening day of the Monsoon Session (July 21), two years before his term was set to expire.
President Droupadi Murmu accepted it immediately.
“Health Reasons” Clarified
Dismissing ‘House Arrest’ Rumours
Today, on August 25, 2025, Amit Shah addressed widespread speculation, pointing to the clarity in Dhankhar’s resignation letter and stating it was for health reasons alone. He explicitly rejected rumors of Dhankhar being under “house arrest”, urging the public not to overdramatize the situation.
Media Coverage and Reactions
Media outlets echoed Shah’s message, calling the opposition’s accusations “baseless” and describing Shah’s remarks as an effort to “clear the air” around growing curiosity and conspiracy theories.
Mystery Deepens
Congress and Opposition Demands
Opposition leaders remain unconvinced. Congress’s Jairam Ramesh called the sudden silence “deepening the mystery”. Trinamool raised questions in Parliament, while the CPI even wrote to Dhankhar seeking clarity on his disappearance.
Dhankhar’s Post-Resignation Life
Reports since then offer glimpses of Dhankhar’s off-life—playing table tennis and focusing on yoga—painting a picture of someone retreating for wellness, not under duress.
What Could Be Behind The Silence?
Theories abound:
- Sincere health breakdown: Given his recent medical episodes, the resignation could stem from genuine health needs.
- Political pressure: Some allege his departure was orchestrated to sideline potential dissent ahead of critical constitutional decisions.
- Media and timing: The 15-hour delay before a government response raised eyebrows and fed speculation.
Vice-President Elections & Political Implications
Dhankhar’s exit also triggered a competitive VP election scheduled for September 9. NDA has nominated CP Radhakrishnan, while the Opposition has fielded Justice B Sudershan Reddy. Analysts note the reshuffle may have strategic benefits for the ruling party’s positioning.
Dhankhar resignation health reasons or something more?
In essence, Dhankhar resignation health reasons remains the official narrative. Amit Shah’s reassurances and Dhankhar’s quiet, wellness-focused retreats support that. Yet, political undercurrents and the layer of silence continue to fuel debate. Whether this turns out to be a health-motivated departure or an event with deeper implications, the topic is unlikely to fade until the new Vice President takes oath.
