‘Health reasons only…no need to make a fuss’: Amit Shah on politics over Dhankar’s resignation as VP

Ahead of the 9 September Vice-Presidential election, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned due to personal health issues and dismissed speculation over other reasons.

“Dhankhar ji was sitting on a constitutional post and during his tenure, he did good work according to the constitution. He has resigned due to his personal health problem. One should not try to stretch it too much and find something,” Shah said.

In an interview with news agency ANI, Shah said, “Dhankhar Sahab’s resignation letter is clear in itself. He has cited health reasons for his resignation. He has also expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the Prime Minister and other ministers and government members for his good tenure.”

Former VP Dhankhar stepped down unexpectedly, with two years left in his five-year term, citing health concerns.

Shah reiterated, “Dhankhar ji’s resignation letter itself made it clear that he resigned due to his health issues. He has expressed gratitude to ministers and the Prime Minister for having a good tenure.”

Responding to speculation about Dhankhar’s whereabouts, Shah said, “It seems like the explanation on what’s true or not is based on what the Opposition says.” The resignation came just hours after an “unscheduled” meeting between Dhankhar and President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. There was no official statement from either office regarding the discussion.

The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for 9 September. The nomination period, which began on 7 August, ended on 21 August. Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan is the ruling BJP-led NDA’s candidate, while Justice (Retd) B Sudershan Reddy is the Opposition’s pick. The Opposition projects Justice Reddy as a champion of social justice in contrast to C P Radhakrishnan, a veteran RSS leader.