Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Sudden Resignation as Vice President: Health Concerns or Political Strategy?

On July 21, 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned abruptly, citing health concerns, just 12 days after stating he’d retire in 2027. The announcement, made on the first day of the Monsoon Session in New Delhi, stunned India’s political landscape. Speculation swirls, with rumors suggesting Dhankhar’s exit may pave the way for Bihar CM Nitish Kumar as a strategic move before Bihar’s elections.

Health Concerns or Political Pressure?

Dhankhar, 74, cited “medical advice” in his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, referencing a March 2025 stent procedure and persistent low blood pressure. His brother-in-law, Praveen Balwada, confirmed health issues, noting dizziness episodes.Yet, opposition leaders like Congress’s Jairam Ramesh argue there’s “far more to it,” pointing to Dhankhar’s acceptance of an impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma, which clashed with the BJP’s anti-corruption stance.

Nitish Kumar Rumors

Speculation about Nitish Kumar as the next vice president gained traction after BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur and Minister Prem Kumar endorsed him. RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav questioned if Dhankhar’s resignation was “given or taken” to favor Kumar, a key NDA ally, ahead of Bihar’s 2025 polls, per webindia123.

Political Tensions and Judicial Clashes

Dhankhar’s tenure was marked by friction, including his vocal criticism of judicial overreach and the Supreme Court’s NJAC ruling. His acceptance of the Varma impeachment notice, signed by 50+ MPs, reportedly irked the BJP, which aimed to lead the judicial corruption narrative. Congress’s Manish Tewari called the resignation’s swift acceptance “unprecedented,” hinting at political maneuvering.

What Lies Ahead?

The Election Commission must hold polls within 60 days, with Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh managing proceedings. While health concerns seem plausible, the timing and Nitish Kumar rumors suggest strategic motives. As #VicePresidentElection trends on X, India’s youth demand clarity, with the truth likely a mix of health and politics, shaping the NDA’s electoral strategy.

-By Manoj H