Was VP Jagdeep Dhankhar siding with the BJP’s rivals? His Rajya Sabha moves shocked the Modi government. A deep dive into his political puzzle.
A Shock from Within?
In the high-octane world of Indian politics, betrayal rarely comes from across the aisle—it often erupts from within. And few recent episodes illustrate this better than the controversial actions and resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Once a BJP appointee, Dhankhar’s recent decisions in the Rajya Sabha raised eyebrows not only among the opposition but also shook the very foundation of the ruling establishment.
Was Dhankhar operating as a constitutional figurehead? Or was he, as many in the BJP fear, playing squarely on the opposition’s pitch?
A Series of Unexpected Blows to the Government
Jagdeep Dhankhar had long been a wildcard, often engaging with BJP critics both publicly and privately. But it wasn’t until two shocking moves that the government began to truly worry.
First Blow: In a public event, Dhankhar reportedly snubbed Shivraj Singh Chouhan, sending ripples through the BJP ranks. This wasn’t just a protocol misstep—it was interpreted as a subtle act of defiance.
Second Jolt: When the Central government attempted to initiate impeachment against Justice Verma in the Lok Sabha, the process was expected to proceed smoothly. However, Dhankhar stunned everyone by accepting an opposition-backed impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha. With 63 opposition MPs backing the move, and in the absence of BJP heavyweights like JP Nadda, this was a gut-punch to the Modi establishment.
The Justice Verma and Shekhar Yadav Controversies
The impeachment drama exposed a deeper ideological rift:
- Justice Verma, allegedly embroiled in financial controversies, was being targeted by the Centre for removal. Yet Dhankhar accepted the opposition’s version, suggesting protection for Verma, not accountability.
- Simultaneously, the opposition was gearing up to target Justice Shekhar Yadav, known for making pro-Hindutva statements at a VHP event. Dhankhar reportedly agreed to their proposal too—without consulting the BJP.
This meant:
- The judge with RSS ties (Yadav) was to be removed,
- And the judge in the alleged wrongdoing (Verma) was to be protected—
- All through the BJP-appointed Vice President.
A scenario that could have publicly embarrassed the BJP and its ideological parent, the RSS.
The Late-Night Call and Sudden Resignation
As the situation intensified, the Central Government acted swiftly. Groups of NDA MPs were made to sign blank impeachment papers, a clear message to Dhankhar: either align or prepare for consequences.
Later that night, a phone call sealed the deal. Reports suggest Dhankhar was told in no uncertain terms that his actions had triggered retaliation. Within hours, he resigned citing “health reasons”.
Suddenly, the opposition, which once accused Dhankhar of suppressing democracy, began mourning his exit, calling him a protector of democratic values.
PM Modi’s Silence Says It All
Traditionally, farewells to key dignitaries involve warm words and visible gratitude. But in Dhankhar’s case, the silence was deafening:
- PM Modi offered only a bland wish for good health, without mentioning Dhankhar’s service.
- No BJP leader acknowledged his resignation, let alone praised his contributions.
The message? The BJP was relieved to see him go.
An Imported Problem: The Trust Deficit in BJP
This episode reignites an old BJP dilemma—imported leaders vs. ideological insiders. Dhankhar wasn’t a lifelong Sangh man. His political journey meandered through parties and causes before landing in the BJP-led establishment.
Now, questions are being asked:
- Can the BJP afford to place non-RSS loyalists in top constitutional roles?
- Was Dhankhar’s appointment a calculated mistake?
- Has the time come for the BJP to prioritise ideological background over political expediency?
Over 80% of the BJP’s leadership today includes defectors or former critics. With such figures holding decisive power, the party risks internal sabotage.
Conclusion: A Pitch Prepared for the Opposition?
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s actions, whether intentional or not, nearly delivered the opposition a political masterstroke using the government’s own Vice President. It exposed the fragility of the BJP’s central control and the dangers of straying too far from its ideological roots.
For a party that prides itself on discipline and loyalty, this might serve as a much-needed wake-up call. Trust, after all, is the glue that holds political empires together. And Dhankhar may have just shown how easily it can come undone.
💬 What do you think? Was Dhankhar’s resignation a matter of health or high-stakes politics? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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