Ask ChatGPT#News Bureau July 25,2025
Is the Opposition trying to embarrass the Modi government by hosting a farewell dinner for Dhankhar?
Amid criticism of the government for not organizing a farewell for outgoing Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Opposition is reportedly planning to host a farewell dinner in his honor. According to media reports citing sources, the Opposition has made plans for the event, though no official confirmation has been provided yet. It is said that a formal invitation has been sent to Dhankhar, but he has not yet confirmed whether he will accept it.
This move raises questions, as the same Opposition has often accused Dhankhar, in his role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, of being biased. Why, then, is the Opposition preparing to honor him now? Is this merely a gesture of respect for the office of the Vice President, or is it a political strategy to highlight the government’s alleged disregard for constitutional positions and gain political mileage?
This development comes in the wake of Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation from the post of Vice President on July 21, citing health reasons. His resignation was announced on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. In his letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar wrote, “In order to prioritize my health and follow medical advice, I hereby resign from the post of Vice President of India with immediate effect.” However, the Opposition has expressed skepticism about the stated reason, speculating that there may be other factors behind his decision.
Dhankhar’s Tenure Marked by Controversies
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s tenure as Vice President was mired in several controversies. As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he frequently clashed with the Opposition. He was often accused of being biased, and at one point, the Opposition even brought a no-confidence motion against him, which was later rejected by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh. However, reports suggest that Dhankhar’s stance had softened in recent months, and he had begun engaging more with Opposition leaders. His resignation is also being linked to events that took place on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The Story Behind the Resignation
The immediate trigger for Dhankhar’s resignation is believed to be his acceptance of an Opposition-backed proposal demanding the impeachment of High Court judge Yashwant Verma. This came after a large amount of unaccounted cash was reportedly recovered from the judge’s official residence.
According to reports, Dhankhar accepted the notice signed by 63 Opposition MPs, which disrupted the government’s strategy. The government had been preparing to bring the matter to the Lok Sabha with bipartisan support, and Dhankhar’s move was seen as a setback to that plan.
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Reports Suggest Government Tried to Stop Dhankhar from Accepting Impeachment Proposal
Some media reports claim that the government made three attempts to dissuade Jagdeep Dhankhar from accepting the Opposition’s impeachment proposal against Justice Yashwant Verma. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha JP Nadda reportedly met Dhankhar and advised him to act in coordination with the government. However, Dhankhar accepted the Opposition’s proposal without consulting the government, leading to rising tensions between him and the ruling leadership.
There are also speculations that the government was considering bringing a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar, and upon sensing this, he may have preferred to resign. However, there is no solid evidence to confirm this theory.
Opposition’s Farewell Dinner: Tribute or Political Strategy?
The farewell dinner proposed by the Opposition is being seen as a calculated political move. The Opposition argues that Dhankhar was not given the customary opportunity to deliver a farewell speech in the Rajya Sabha — a tradition extended even to regular MPs. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called this a disrespect to a “farmer’s son,” and alleged that Dhankhar was forced to resign. He also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tweet, which extended best wishes to Dhankhar in just 26 words — a gesture the Opposition claims did not reflect the dignity of the Vice President’s office.
Jairam Ramesh also stated that Jagdeep Dhankhar consistently tried to follow rules and protocols in his role while presiding over parliamentary proceedings.
Beyond the Congress, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav also expressed skepticism over Dhankhar’s health-related resignation, remarking that “something is fishy.” Opposition parties believe that Dhankhar was pressured by the government to resign, and through this farewell dinner, they aim to highlight the issue further.
However, it is also possible that Dhankhar may choose not to attend the event, in an effort to maintain the neutrality and dignity associated with his former constitutional post.
Government’s Silence and the Next Vice President
Following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, the government has maintained a notable silence on the matter. Apart from Prime Minister Modi, no senior minister has made any public comment. According to sources, the government is not in a hurry to appoint a new Vice President. Reports suggest that efforts are underway to reach a consensus with the Opposition on a joint candidate. Among the names being discussed is that of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, who is considered to have the government’s trust.
Dhankhar’s resignation has raised several questions. Was it truly driven by health concerns, or were there deeper political reasons behind it? Will the Opposition’s farewell dinner further amplify these doubts, or will it remain a symbolic gesture of respect?
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