Gaurav Gogoi Hints at Unseen Factors Behind VP’s Sudden Exit

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday raised sharp questions over the abrupt resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, calling it “both sudden and shocking.” Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gogoi said:

“I wish good health to respected Dhankhar ji. But it is for the Union government to clarify if they had prior intimation and have planned for a smooth transition. The absence of senior ministers yesterday at a meeting chaired by the Hon’ble Vice President now carries even more significance.”

The resignation of the Hon’ble Vice President is both sudden and shocking. I wish good health to respected Dhankar ji. But it is for the Union government to clarify if they had prior intimation and have planned for a smooth transition. The absence of senior ministers yesterday at…

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) July 22, 2025

Dhankhar’s resignation came just hours after he chaired an important official meeting, adding to the shock and fuelling speculation about what prompted the move. His exit has now triggered a political storm, with opposition leaders demanding transparency from the Modi government.

Jairam Ramesh Urges PM to Intervene

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the resignation “as shocking as it is inexplicable,” revealing that he had both met and spoken to the Vice President shortly before the announcement.

“I was with him alongside a number of other MPs till around 5 p.m. today and had spoken to him over the phone at 7:30 p.m. Clearly, there is far more to this totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye.”

Ramesh further stated that Dhankhar was due to chair a crucial Business Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday and announce decisions related to the judiciary.

“I urge him to reconsider and call upon the Prime Minister to intervene. This will be in the nation’s interest.”

Official Reason: Health Cited, Doubts Remain

In his letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar invoked Article 67(a) of the Constitution and wrote: “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately.”

While expressing gratitude to the President for her support and cooperation during his tenure, Dhankhar did not disclose further details about his medical condition or long-term treatment.

Yet the suddenness of his resignation — with no prior public indication of ill health — has led to speculation about possible behind-the-scenes pressure or internal political conflict.

Constitutional Shock at a Crucial Time

As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar played a critical role in steering legislative business. His departure, without a successor in place and ahead of major parliamentary sessions, has created a void at the heart of India’s constitutional structure.

Known for his blunt, assertive style and equal criticism of both the government and the opposition, Dhankhar’s independent stance may have placed him at odds with the ruling establishment — a factor that opposition leaders subtly alluded to in their responses.

ALSO READ: “Shocking and Inexplicable”: Congress Reacts to VP Dhankhar’s Sudden Exit