"Under govt pressure": Congress MP Dangi on VP Dhankhar's resignation

New Delhi [India], July 22 (ANI): Congress MP Neeraj Dangi expressed concern over Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation, claiming the decision may not have been voluntary and hinting at possible pressure from the Government. His remarks came hours after Dhankhar stepped down citing health concerns, prompting opposition leaders to question the timing and circumstances of the move.
Speaking to ANI, Dangi said, "This is very shocking and surprising that, all of a sudden, in the evening, such news came in. Dhankhar sahab cited health reasons as the reason behind his resignation. But I think, as far as health issues are concerned, during the last session, he suffered a heart issue. I think he resumed on the third or fourth day. So, health issues appearing all of a sudden raise questions."
He added, "This appears to be a resignation under pressure by the Government. Perhaps the Government imposed this decision on him. This is not right for the country or its democratic values. I believe this is the first time in India's history that a Vice President has resigned on his own. Whatever be the post, Government wants to run this country arbitrarily, and that is before us."
Weighing in on the development, Congress MP Kiran Kumar Chamala pointed to Dhankhar's statements made just hours before the resignation, calling the decision deeply puzzling.

"Today morning also, he was in the Rajya Sabha and he tried to speak a few good words in the Rajya Sabha in regard to the political parties coming together to work for the betterment of the nation, keeping away whatever the difference between them. It is better for the nation to have a proper dialogue between the political parties for a constructive nation. So, it was shocking for me. But he cited reasons that his health is not cooperating and due to medical reasons and medical advice, he is giving up this position. In the morning, he was trying to talk about a constructive line. I don't know what happened by the evening," he told ANI.
Congress MP Imraan Masood also questioned the abrupt nature of the Vice President's departure, pointing out the contrast between his public presence during the day and the evening announcement.

"He was in the Parliament House the entire day. What happened in just one hour that he had to resign? We pray that the Almighty give him a long and healthy life. I am not able to understand the reason," Masood added.
Earlier in the day, the Vice President's Secretariat had communicated that the Vice President, Dhankhar, will be on a one-day visit to Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Tuesday. It was stated that during his visit, the Vice-President will interact with the newly elected committee members of Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (CREDAI) Rajasthan at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice."
"To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the constitution," the letter said.
"I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency - the Hon'ble President of India for her unwavering support and the soothing, wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure," it added.
The Vice President also expressed his deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers.
"Prime Minister's cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office," he said.
Dhankhar said that the warmth, trust, and affection he has received from all the Members of Parliament will be cherished and embedded in his memory.
"I am deeply thankful for the invaluable experiences and insights I have gained as Vice President in our great democracy. It has been a privilege and a source of satisfaction to witness and participate in India's remarkable economic progress and unprecedented exponential development during this significant period. Serving in this transformative era of our nation's history has been a true honour," he said.
"As I leave this esteemed office, I am filled with pride in Bharat's global rise and phenomenal achievements and hold unwavering confidence in her brilliant future," he added.
The resignation came on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. Dhankhar was sworn in as the 14th Vice President of India on August 11, 2022. As Vice President, he also served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (ANI)