Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons and “medical advice,” has sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape. Official statements—including his resignation letter and assurances from the Vice President’s family—confirm health as the primary cause. However, the timing—coinciding with the Monsoon Session and crucial parliamentary proceedings—has fueled intense speculation.

The depth behind “health reasons”

• Opposition claims: Leaders from Congress, RJD, JMM, and other parties argue that Dhankhar’s reasons run “far deeper” than health, pointing to a delayed/absent participation of senior Union ministers (e.g. Nadda and Rijiju) at the Business Advisory Committee meeting—an incident perceived as a snub that may have triggered his departure
• Mamata Banerjee’s statement: West Bengal’s CM described Dhankhar as a fit man and hinted at political pressure from within the ruling establishment 
• Ashok Gehlot’s view: Former Rajasthan CM alleged Dhankhar quit under pressure—perhaps signaling deeper RSS or BJP internal dynamics

Rift in the ranks or political sacrifice?

Senior NDTV sources suggest Dhankhar’s acceptance of the Opposition’s impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma crossed a line, prompting a backlash from BJP leadership and a brewing “no-confidence” plot—he resigned before such measures could unfold

 This sequence suggests his resignation wasn’t a voluntary retreat but a political concession to underlying tensions.

 Is RSS or PM Modi pulling the strings?

Some reports claimed PM Modi behind the resignation, but no direct evidence that RSS or PM Narendra Modi orchestrated his exit has been found thus far. The timing during Modi’s foreign tour and the coinciding Monsoon Session suggest the move aligns with broader political concerns over control of parliamentary narratives, including debates like “Operation Sindoor” and committee assignments

Who’s leading the race for VP?

The vacancy has prompted swift NDA discussions. Reportedly, many senior leaders  are being considered but there is no clear front runner at this time. Opposition voices—including Rahul Gandhi and Revanth Reddy—have called for an open parliamentary debate on Dhankhar’s exit before the race escalates.

Final take:

• Health vs. political reality: Officially, Dhankhar stepped down for health reasons, backed by family and government statements. But internal BJP friction—over parliamentary protocol, committee meetings, and judicial motions—appears to be a decisive catalyst.
• A brewing power shift: His departure amid the Monsoon Session hints at a potential recalibration of power dynamics within the NDA and an effort to shape Rajya Sabha’s upcoming leadership.
• Despite the drama, democracy moves on: The Election Commission has already initiated the process for the VP by-election. But echoes of this resignation may reverberate through future institutional relations and democratic norms