BJP Weighs Options After Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Sudden Exit

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With Harivansh as Interim Rajya Sabha Presiding Officer, BJP Signals No Rush to Fill Vice President Post Amid Monsoon Session

By TRH Political Desk

NEW DELHI, July 22, 2025 —The abrupt resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has thrown the BJP-led government into a fresh political quandary, triggering speculation over who will succeed him as the constitutional second-highest office holder in India.

On Tuesday, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh called on President Droupadi Murmu as part of what sources described as a “routine exercise.” However, in Dhankhar’s absence, Harivansh will now take over as the interim presiding officer of the Upper House.

As per constitutional norms, elections for the post of Vice President must be held within six months. But BJP insiders suggest the ruling party is in no hurry. “The BJP will first focus on the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. The top leadership will take a call on the timing of the Vice President election later,” a senior BJP functionary told TRH.

The political drama gained further traction after Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence 16 hours after Dhankhar’s resignation was made public. “Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health,” Modi wrote in a cryptic post on X. The message was the first official reaction from the government since Dhankhar’s surprise move, and its brevity only added to the intrigue.

Soon after Modi’s post, President Murmu formally accepted Dhankhar’s resignation. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs followed up swiftly with a gazette notification, completing the process.

Sources say the tone and timing of Modi’s message have further fueled speculation about the circumstances behind Dhankhar’s resignation, which he attributed to health reasons. However, political observers believe there may be more behind the decision, including a reported communication breakdown between Dhankhar and NDA floor managers in Parliament.

The Congress Party seized the moment to criticize the government. “Dhankhar has not been given the respectful farewell he deserves,” charged Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in charge of communications, in a post on X. He added that the Prime Minister’s message was “too short to reflect the respect owed” to Dhankhar, whom he described as a true “Kisanputra” (son of farmers).

Dhankhar, who had several months left in his tenure, has had a high-profile presence in Parliament and the media. Known for his frequent confrontations with the judiciary and public praise of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he also played a key role in suspending several Opposition MPs during heated parliamentary sessions.

As speculation intensifies over the BJP’s next move, the spotlight now shifts to possible contenders for the Vice President’s post — a decision that could have far-reaching implications for the government’s legislative agenda and parliamentary dynamics.

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