New Delhi | The government must clarify the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar from the vice president post to protect the dignity of the second-highest constitutional office and address growing speculation, CPI(M) MP John Brittas said on Wednesday.
In a post on X, he also said that if the government maintains silence over the issue, Dhankhar should "break his silence to uphold the dignity of the office".
"The contrast between the prime minister's enthusiastic endorsement of Dhankharji as 'Kisan Putra' (farmer's son) during his (vice-president) candidacy and the cryptic, delayed statement following his resignation heightens intrigue," Brittas said.
"To protect the dignity of the second-highest constitutional office and address growing speculation, the government must clarify the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar." He claimed that "information from certain quarters suggests a senior minister sought his resignation on behalf of the government".
"If the government continues to evade questions, it would be fitting for Dhankharji to break his silence to uphold the dignity of the office," the CPI(M) MP in the Rajya Sabha said.
Brittas also said while the opposition disagreed with the former vice-president on many issues, the BJP government's handling of this constitutional position is "deeply troubling and warrants concern".
In a sudden move, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday evening resigned from his post, citing medical reasons, triggering speculations in political circles.
Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in August 2022, and his tenure was till August 2027. The resignation of Dhankhar, also the Rajya Sabha Chairman, came on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament.
