Dhankhar's Resignation Sparks Political Turmoil in BJP
"Did I feel like an outsider among my own community? Why did I continue to sing your songs with such fervor? You were not unfaithful, and I was not disloyal. Why did I become consumed like a moth drawn to your presence?"
Fame and success are transient, much like a fleeting scent, and Jagdeep Dhankhar, the former Vice President of the country, likely understands this. Despite his deep allegiance to the BJP, he once adorned the grandest stage with political pride and vibrant theatrics. Now, the quiet solitude of the green room from his 'solo performance' seems to haunt him. Sources indicate that the BJP did not request his resignation; rather, the intensity of discussions among leaders escalated to the point where he felt compelled to make such a significant decision under pressure. The BJP was also taken aback by the news of Dhankhar's resignation. A BJP leader attempted to contact the Vice President, but for some reason, the conversation between the two leaders did not occur.
Tensions began to rise between the BJP and Dhankhar when he reportedly started strengthening ties with opposition leaders, including Rahul. Recently, as Vice President, Dhankhar invited Rahul for a meeting that reportedly lasted about two and a half hours. During this meeting, Dhankhar expressed his support for fostering good relations with opposition parties. Following this, a group of Congress MPs, led by Jairam Ramesh, met with the Vice President, leading to an agreement for improved coordination and harmony in the House. Jairam was reportedly so impressed by the meeting that he informed his leader Mallikarjun Kharge that everything was fine in the Rajya Sabha. This information reached the BJP. Dhankhar continued to engage with leaders from other opposition parties, including Trinamool, and also met with Arvind Kejriwal. Additionally, Dhankhar interacted with several journalists known for their leftist views and critical stance towards the ruling party, who are recognized for their independent opinions.
The Vice President began openly supporting farmers at various public forums, causing discomfort for the ruling party. Dhankhar's criticism of the judiciary's authority had also displeased the government. Since Chief Justice Gavai assumed his role in the Supreme Court, the government has been keen to avoid any disputes with the court. Dhankhar was notably enthusiastic and proactive regarding Justice Verma's impeachment. Although the issue had already been raised in the Lok Sabha, the government preferred to wait in the Rajya Sabha. However, with 61 opposition Rajya Sabha MPs signing, Dhankhar paved the way for Justice Verma's impeachment in the upper house as well, presenting a direct challenge to the Delhi regime. The situation escalated from Nadda and continued to develop.
JP Nadda's remarks about Kharge in the House, where he stated that 'Nadda will decide if the statements made in the House will be recorded,' made Dhankhar uneasy with Nadda's approach. According to sources, after the session was adjourned, the then Vice President summoned Nadda to his office and reprimanded him, questioning, 'Who are you to enter my domain without permission and issue orders?' Nadda relayed this exchange to the BJP. If the sources are accurate, a direct call was made to Dhankhar, leading to a confrontation. Dhankhar attempted to explain to the influential ruling leader on the call that 'Constitutionally, I am still the second highest authority in the country, and you are junior to me, so you cannot speak to me in this manner.' The other party responded, 'Tomorrow, we will propose a no-confidence motion against you, and you won't be able to retain your position.' The conversation reportedly ended on a tense note. Following this, BJP's Rajya Sabha MPs were gathered in a minister's office to sign a blank paper. When the Vice President learned of this, he realized that preparations might be underway for an impeachment motion against him. Dhankhar, knowledgeable about the Constitution, understood that if Rajya Sabha MPs introduced a motion in Parliament, he might have to resign. He went home to discuss the situation with his wife and daughter. The family concluded that it would be more dignified to resign voluntarily than to be removed, and Dhankhar followed their advice.
Dhankhar's first call to Jayant
Following his resignation, Dhankhar reportedly made his first call to Union Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary. Sources suggest that Dhankhar regards Jayant as his adopted son and holds a special affection for him. It is believed that during the last election, Dhankhar was instrumental in persuading Jayant to leave Akhilesh's camp and support the BJP. Reports also indicate that the next morning, Jayant visited Dhankhar's residence for an extended discussion between the two leaders. Additionally, it is thought that Dhankhar's resignation has heightened the Jat community's dissatisfaction with the BJP. Previously, when the issue involving Jat leader Satyapal Malik gained traction, the BJP faced setbacks in Jat-dominated regions of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Western UP. This 'Jat effect' reportedly led to the BJP losing 3 seats in Haryana, 7 in Rajasthan, and the Muzaffarnagar and Nagina seats in Western UP. Furthermore, the victory margins for BJP candidates in Western UP were also reduced. It remains to be seen how long Dhankhar can maintain his silence in these new circumstances.
Rahul's love for Dhankhar
On Friday, Rahul Gandhi reached out to Dhankhar sahab, initially inquiring about his well-being. He then expressed regret that the government was not planning a farewell for him. Consequently, 25-26 opposition parties collectively decided to host a farewell event in his honor at the Ashok Hotel in Delhi, where they would discuss his contributions to the House. Reportedly, Dhankhar was initially moved by the proposal but then composed himself and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rahul and the entire opposition for considering him in such a manner. However, he expressed concern about the event taking on a political tone, questioning whether the Prime Minister would be invited. Rahul assured him that he would indeed extend an invitation, but it would be up to the Prime Minister to decide whether to attend. Upon learning of Rahul's initiative, Trinamool leader Mamta Banerjee promptly contacted Kharge, expressing her displeasure and questioning why Trinamool's consent was not sought for organizing Dhankhar's farewell. Kharge was evidently unable to provide a response.
…and finally
During a recent visit to Delhi, RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat engaged with several notable Muslim intellectuals and Islamic scholars. Interestingly, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan also arrived in Delhi on the same day. Many assumed he was there to meet the RSS chief, but he instead went directly to meet Home Minister Amit Shah. There were rumors that he was a contender for the Vice President position, but it raises the question of whether he would be an appropriate representative for the BJP, which is known for its Hindu-centric politics.
On the other hand, Nitish Kumar is openly lobbying for the late Karpoori Thakur's son Ramnath Thakur for this post. So that the OBC and EBC voters of the state can be mobilized in JDU's camp again. Karpoori Thakur was seen as an opponent of the upper castes and a messiah of the poor and OBCs. Nitish wants to capitalize on this, but people are saying about him that 'whenever Nitish gets a chance, the cream of his quota is plundered by the upper castes, for example, this time when it came to becoming a minister at the center from JDU quota, Rajiv Ranjan alias Lallan Singh belonging to Bhumihar caste won the race, and Nitish has made a Brahmin Sanjay Kumar Jha the national working president of his party.'