Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday dismissed opposition allegations surrounding former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, asserting that he stepped down solely due to health reasons and cautioning against creating unnecessary speculation.
In an interview with ANI, Shah said Dhankhar’s resignation letter itself clarified the reasons.
“Dhankhar Sahab’s resignation letter is clear in itself. He cited health reasons for his resignation and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, ministers, and colleagues for his tenure. We shouldn’t make a fuss over this,” Shah stated.
Responding to opposition claims that Dhankhar was under “house arrest,” Shah said truth should not be judged merely on political statements.
“Your interpretation of truth and lies seems based on what the opposition says. Dhankhar held a constitutional post, fulfilled his duties, and resigned due to personal health reasons. There is no need to over-interpret this,” the Home Minister said.
Opposition leaders, however, have questioned the sudden development. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh termed it “the first time in history” that a Vice President’s resignation appeared linked with silencing. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the government of functioning in a “medieval” manner, alleging Dhankhar had been sidelined. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal also suggested a habeas corpus petition might be warranted given Dhankhar’s absence from public view.
The BJP has rejected such claims, reiterating that health concerns prompted the decision.
Dhankhar tendered his resignation on July 21, the opening day of the monsoon session of Parliament, while serving as Rajya Sabha Chairman. In his letter to President Droupadi Murmu, he stated that he wished to “prioritise health care and abide by medical advice.”
