Even critics are shocked by Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation: a political earthquake

While politics never goes out of fashion for surprise, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s surprising resignation has come to a twig from the blue — not only for his friends, but even for his strongest detractors. The news, without much hype and no pre-speculation, has left the political class and the public agog.

While no formal reason has been given so far, the suddenness of the move leaves a lot of questions unanswered. An important figure in the current administration was Dhankhar, a seasoned politician and former West Bengal governor. His two posts to Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha had him at the root of most crucial parliamentary decisions, often braving scorching debates and raging opposition protests with a firm, sometimes contentious, hand.

A Precedent-Breaking Resignation

Why this resignation is even further hitting is that it is without warning or leaks—a phenomenon few have seen in Indian politics, where rumors ahead of news by weeks are the norm. None of the ruling BJP or Opposition had all hint. Even senior party workers reportedly received the news of the resignation just minutes before it was made public.

This has heightened only speculation. Was it against political changes from in? A policy disagreement? Medical reasons? Or a strategic move before a wider political restructuring or realignment? The lack of all categorical denial by Dhankhar has fueled conspiracy theories on both sides of the political divide.

Opposition Response: From Shock to Speculation

Surprisingly, quite a few from the Opposition—who often faulted Dhankhar’s perceived bias in leading parliamentary debates—have come out in disbelief instead of schadenfreude. Some have even gone out of their way to praise his term for upholding decorum in otherwise increasingly polarized Rajya Sabha.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, “While we have had differences with Vice President Dhankhar’s methods, we respect his service. His resignation is extremely unexpected plus merits an open explanation.

The Left & national parties have even seconded the statement, terming the resignation like “highly irregular” & asking the government to explain the circumstances under which it was done.

A Vacuum at the Top

With the Vice President’s chair suddenly vacant, the government is now confronted with the political and logistical assignment of finding a replacement. On the eve of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which is typically rife with legislative deadlocks and intense political lobbying, the timing is crucial.

Dhankhar’s resignation would delay or complicate business in the Rajya Sabha, especially with the Opposition already gearing up for an adversarial session on several pending bills and issues like inflation, unemployment, and centre-state tensions.

What Next for Dhankhar?

Another central question: Is this really an exit from political life, or the start of something new?Few people believe that he may be being groomed for an increased obligation — party or official. Others think this is a personal retreat from the spotlight, perhaps due to health or ideological exhaustion.

Until Jagdeep Dhankhar himself speaks out, his resignation will be one of the best new events in Indian political history — an action that has succeeded in bringing together a fragmented polity in collective astonishment.