The resignation of the vice president Mr Jagdeep Dhankhar, is nothing less than a political earthquake. He is the first vice president to resign from his post for non technical reasons like contesting for the presidential election. His resignation on health grounds is also equally surprising because, these are generally held by senior politicians who withdraw from active partisan politics, and ensures good health care access. The suddenness of his resignation on the first day of the monsoon session which he was chairing enthusiastically, over the entire day took everyone by surprise. The real reason for his resignation remains a matter of speculation. What has added to the confusion is the strange silence and rather curt tone of the prime minister’s tweet, acknowledging his resignation. The entire party has responded similarly, while the opposition is showering praise on their bete noire. Never before had any vice president faced a no confidence resolution in the parliament. Mr Dhankhar wears this ignominy. His tenure as West Bengal governor was equally contentious The best part though has been that he never tried to wear the pretense of impartiality. His criticism of the Supreme Court especially on the basic structure issue and article 142, testify on it. Despite all the theatrics, it seems his efforts fell short and the high command was unhappy with his performance. The resignation would necessitate a fresh election to the vice president’s office. After Haryana, Maharashtra and Delhi elections the government would be much stronger in the Rajya Sabha and that would compensate any challenge in Lok Sabha. The numbers look strong but the aura of being in control seems to have waned. Operation sindoor exposed the vulnerability in external issues, and the 75 years age story is hinting at internal challenges. This issue has shown cracks within the institutional control. A large part of the prime minister’s success has come not from delivering on ground but this aura of invincibility. As the aura fades, many murmurs of disquiet can be heard.
Abrupt end of an inglorious chapter
