Cong questions Dhankhar’s 100-day silence post-resignation

The Congress on Wednesday questioned the “total silence” of former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who has not made any public appearance or statement since his sudden resignation 100 days ago. The party also reiterated that the former VP deserved a farewell ceremony in line with democratic traditions.

“It has been exactly 100 days since an unprecedented event in Indian political history took place,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X, recalling Dhankhar’s resignation on July 21.

“Suddenly and shockingly, the then Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned in the late hours on July 21. The fact that he was forced to do so -- even though he sang the praises of the PM day in and day out -- was obvious,” Ramesh wrote.

He pointed out that the former vice-president, who frequently used to be in headlines, has been “totally silent, unseen and unheard” since he stepped down from the post.

Ramesh noted that Dhankhar, as the Rajya Sabha Chairman, “was no great friend of the Opposition” and “used to pull up the Opposition constantly and unfairly”.

Yet, in keeping with democratic traditions, the Opposition has been saying that he deserves at least a farewell function like all his predecessors. But it has not happened, he added.

Dhankhar resigned on July 21, citing medical reasons in a letter to President Droupadi Murmu. The move, which came on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament, took political circles by surprise.

A day after his resignation, the Congress had claimed that the reasons behind Dhankhar’s decision were “far deeper” than the health concerns he mentioned. The party said his move “spoke highly of him, but poorly of those who got him elected to the post” and demanded an official clarification from the government.

Dhankhar (74) had assumed office in August 2022 and was due to serve till 2027.