Just hours before tendering his resignation, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar paid an unexpected visit to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, reported Hindustan Times. Sources say the meeting caught staff off-guard and has since fuelled speculation among political circles about what may have prompted his abrupt decision to step down.
A Stealthy Entrance
According to insiders, Dhankhar arrived at the presidential residence unannounced late in the evening. His convoy entered a typically quiet compound without prior scheduling, triggering a rapid mobilization of security and protocol staff. The unscheduled nature of his visit is believed to have caused confusion among those responsible for overseeing events at the residence.
Institutional Surprise, Not Protocol Breach
Though Vice Presidents may visit Rashtrapati Bhavan without formal invitation, such last-minute arrivals are highly unusual. Protocol officers reportedly scrambled to clear access routes and inform appropriate authorities. Staff members said they heard panicked radio calls and witnessed hurried preparations—far from the smooth coordination usually expected at the presidential domicile.
Rumours Begin to Circulate
Word of Dhankhar’s impromptu appearance quickly spread within governmental and media circles. It was described as the moment when rumours around a possible resignation shifted from backstage whispers to front-page conjecture. Observers questioned whether the vice president was seeking guidance, delivering a sensitive message, or laying the groundwork for his next steps.
From Quiet Visit to Public Announcement
Within 48 hours of the visit, Dhankhar submitted his resignation—a move that stunned many. The vice president cited health reasons as the official rationale, though the context of his visit has raised eyebrows. Given that the meeting took place just before his announcement, many now wonder if it served as a prelude, signaling that discussions of his future had already begun at the highest levels.
Political Underpinnings and Context
Dhankhar’s visit comes against a backdrop of heightened political tension. He had been a vocal presence in the Rajya Sabha, presiding over contentious debates and drawing criticism from both opposition and coalition members. A public exchange around a prior impeachment motion and procedural disputes further strained relationships within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Some analysts suggest that the meeting marked an important turning point in his rapport with the President and with party leadership.
Official Responses Remain Vague
Both the Presidential Secretariat and the Vice President’s office have declined to elaborate on the purpose of the visit. Official statements have described it as a simple courtesy call, with no formal meeting agenda or detailed discussions. Similarly, aides have maintained that Dhankhar’s resignation was purely health-related, and bear no connection with his presence at Rashtrapati Bhavan that evening.
What Political Observers Are Watching
In the wake of these developments, political analysts are monitoring several key questions. Was the visit part of a last-minute bid at reconciliation—or a diplomatic signal? Might the resignation have been expedited following discussions during the meeting? Could there be deeper implications for intra-coalition dynamics or discussions within the ruling party?
The Way Forward
Now that the resignation has formally been accepted by the President, attention is shifting to the implications. Who will emerge as the NDA’s new nominee for the vice presidency? How will this decision impact the coming monsoon session of Parliament? Can the NDA maintain unity amid internal recalibrations?
Significance for Indian Democracy
This sequence of events—an unscheduled visit, immediate resignation, and official silence—has stirred a rare atmosphere of intrigue at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a political era accustomed to carefully scripted actions, Dhankhar’s off-schedule approach demonstrates how uncertainty and discretion still play a vital role around India’s highest offices.
Photo Credit: HT
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