Bihar poll strategy or locking horns with Centre: What led to Jagdeep Dhankhar's shocking exit ?
PTC News Desk: Not long ago Jagdeep Dhankhar said that he will retire at right time, however on Monday, in a surprising move, the 74-year-old resigned from the post, citing health concerns.
Dhankhar's unprecedented resignation has left even the opposition, with whom he had frequent run-ins in disbelief. Who once moved a motion to impeach him, are now speaking highly of him while asserting that there was more to it than what met the eye.
With no official confirmation from either Vice Presidents or government's office, the resignation ostensibly on health grounds has sent shockwaves and flurry of speculations across political spectrum.
An unusual silence amongst BJP ministers was also observed following Dhankhar's announcement with no congratulatory messages from either leader. It was only until now that PM Modi took to his social media and expressed his best wishes for Dhankhar.
Notably Dhankhar was actually being treated for cardiac problems since the beginning of this year, however his hush hush resignation does not entirely corroborate with the grounds he cited in his official letter.
One of the opposition leader has also pointed out that he could have just put in his papers before the start of the session. Moreover, a press release by the Vice President's Secretariat at 4 pm on Monday of his scheduled travel to Jaipur later this week has deepened the intrigue.
There are certain theories floating around following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar:
Paving way for Nitish
With Bihar Elections round the corner, one theory is floating around is of Dhankhar paving way for Nitish Kumar to be the next Vice President. Several BJP leaders including Haribhushan Thakur have backed Bihar Chief Minister's name for the top post.
With a leader from Bihar calling the shots in the Upper House of the Parliament could be a silver lining for BJP, who has never held power alone in the state.
Stepping down instead of being removed
Another theory that is surfacing is the chain of events unfolded on the first day of the monsoon session of the Parliament. According to the sources, the resignation stemmed from a phone called that the former Vice President received from the Centre .
The Rajya Sabha chairman accepted the notice moved by the opposition MPs to remove Justice Yashwant Varma, after a massive cash recovery at his official residence and asked the House's secretary general to take necessary steps.
Reportedly this move did not sit well with the central government and apparently robbed the government of the chance to lead the offensive against the judge and corruption in the judiciary.
When the centre dialled the Vice President and flagged the issue, it met with a sharp rebuke from Jagdeep Dhankhar who also cited his powers in office. The argument gave rise to the rumblings to bring a no confidence motion against him- just six months after the opposition moved a notice to impeach him that was rejected by the deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Dhankhar, a veteran politician, got a hunch of this and opted to step down instead of being shown the door.
Tussle with judiciary
Another possible theory floating around is Dhankhar's sharp criticism of judiciary that might drew government's ire.
The opposition led by Congress has expressed intense disbelief and shock over the sudden resignation and described the developments as "inexplicable" and a "riddle wrapped in mystery rolled in an enigma".
However, the government has remained tight-lipped so far.
- With inputs from agencies
