Politics at play? Jagdeep Dhankhar's 'shock' exit as VP turns critics into 'well-wishers'; Congress seeks answers

NEW DELHI: It is said there are no permanent friends or foes in politics. This was proved true once again when the surprise exit of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice-President on health grounds on Monday turned many of his sworn critics into well-wishers. This even as most of the NDA leaders - with whom Dhankhar had worked closely since he took office in August 2022 - refrained from making any comments.

The opposition, which had moved an impeachment motion against Dhankhar in December last year - accusing him of being partisan and acting like a government spokesperson, questioned the government over his sudden exit and even called for reinstatement of the former VP in "nation's interest."

The Congress , which called Dhankhar's abrupt exit "forced resignation", had words of praise for the former Vice-President. However, Congress chief Kharge refrained from commenting on the resignation and said "Only he knows the reason. We have nothing to say on this. Either the government knows or he knows. "

Here is what Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in his reaction on Dhankhar's resignation:

• "While always lauding the post-2014 India, he spoke fearlessly for the welfare of farmers, forcefully against what he called 'ahankar (arrogance)' in public life, and strongly on judicial accountability and restraint."
• "Dhankhar took both the government and the opposition to task in equal measure."
• "We wish him the best of health but also request him to reconsider his decision. We also expect the Prime Minister to get Mr Dhankhar to change his mind. This will be in the nation's interest."

Now, contrast this with what the Congress had said about the former Vice-President in December last year over Dhankhar's frequent runs-ins with the opposition members. This attack then was led by Kharge.

• "The RS chairman acts like school headmaster and gives sermons to experienced opposition leaders while stopping them from speaking."
• "Politics has taken precedence over rules in Rajya Sabha. The chairman has indulged in partisan behaviour. His conduct has been contrary to the post's dignity and he targets opposition leaders and often praises the government of the day."
• "The Chair of the Upper House works as a 'government spokesperson'."

Little wonder, the BJP has been quick to take digs at opposition's "concerns". BJP MP Nishikant Dubey took a jibe at the opposition for expressing shock over Dhankhar's resignation.

"Opposition is playing the role of Kader Khan in the film," Dubey posted on X while citing a news report from December last year where the opposition parties moved to impeach Dhankhar from the Vice President's office and accused him of being "partisan".

But while the opposition's "change of heart" can be debated, the big question that remains is why did Dhankhar quit in a rush? The opposition claims health was not the real reason and there was more to it than meets the eye.

Urging the government to speak up, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi said: "This is very sad, and whatever happened is not normal. A akhad (stubborn) person like him, who used to come to the Parliament even when sick, citing health reasons for resignation, doesn't seem normal. The government should speak on it. It is silent and it indicates that everything is not normal."

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram demanded transparency from the government.

"I don't believe that Vice President is in such precarious health that he can't discharge his functions anymore. This looks like one of those Soviet style resignations when, in those days, high-ranking officials were asked to go citing medical reasons. However, in India, which is an open democracy, we need to have far greater transparency. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Hopefully, in the coming days, we will have some transparency," Chidambaram told ANI.

And while the "worried" opposition had nice words to say about Dhankhar, the usual effusive praise that is showered on an occupant of a high office on his or her departure was conspicuously missing from the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's side. Barring Prime Minister Modi, who put out a brief post, most of the leading government figures refrained from offering any comment.

"Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health," the Prime Minister said on X.

Jairam Ramesh reacted sharply to PM Modi 's post and said: "PM's non-post on X regarding Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar's forced resignation has only added to the mystery of his abrupt exit. Surely the PM could have been a bit more gracious -- he is, after all, the supreme master of hypocrisy. The kisanputra is being denied even a dignified farewell."

And while speculations will continue on Dhankhar's exit, it is interesting to see how the opposition, once at the receiving end of the former Vice-President, is now heaping praises on him.

(With inputs from agencies)