Dhankhar breaks 50-day silence to greet new V-P

Ending days of speculation bred by his own self-imposed isolation, Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday broke his silence to greet successor CP Radhakrishnan for his victory in the 17th vice-presidential election.Speaking after 50 days since his surprise mid-term resignation, Dhankhar felicitated Radhakrishnan and hailed his victory.

"Heartfelt felicitations on your election as the V-P of Bharat, the world's largest democracy and home to 1/6th of humanity. Your elevation to this office reflects the trust and confidence by the representatives of our nation," said Dhankhar, whose resignation had fueled speculations and necessitated a fresh poll to the second highest constitutional office of India.

The veteran leader, in his signed message for Radhakrishnan, said, "Given your vast experience in public life, under your stewardship, the august office would certainly attain greater veneration and glory. On this occasion, my best wishes for your successful tenure and for the service of our great nation.'

Importantly, Dhankhar, who is yet to be allotted government accommodation after he vacated the newly built V-P Enclave in Central Vista Project, recently wrote to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for allotment of a suitable house as entitlements.

A former V-P is eligible for a Type VIII Bungalow and one such house is ready for occupation on APJ Abdul Kalam Road, but a final call is yet to be taken.

Dhankhar is temporarily housed in a south Delhi farm house that belongs to INLD leader Abhay Chautala.

Notably, the former V-P's first in a 50-day statement came hours after Congress chief whip in Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh asked where he was.

"For 50 days now, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has maintained an uncharacteristic silence. Today as the election for his successor gets underway, the nation continues to wait for him to speak out after his unprecedented and unexpected resignation as VP following the expression of his concerns on the deep neglect of farmers by the Modi government, and on the dangers posed by ‘ahankar' of those in power," Jairam posted this morning just as the polling for V-P election commenced.