"Dhankhar was forced to resign, threatened with impeachment," claims TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee

New Delhi [India], July 23 (ANI): Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee on Wednesday alleged that Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was "forced" to resign from his post by "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Cabinet ministers," claiming he was "threatened" with impeachment.
Addressing the media, Banerjee further claimed that Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh "would be made" the next Vice President of India.
"Jagdeep Dhankhar was forced to resign by the Prime Minister and other Cabinet ministers. He was threatened that if he didn't resign before 9 pm on that day, an impeachment motion would be brought against him. This is a pressure tactic by the PM and other Cabinet ministers. Earlier, one Election Commissioner resigned just before the elections... It is being heard that now Rajnath Singh will be made vice president," Kalyan Banejree said.
His remarks came amid continued speculation surrounding Dhankhar's sudden resignation, which was announced on Monday evening, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Opposition leaders have expressed surprise over Dhankhar's decision and said there "are far deeper reasons" for his resignation. The resignation came on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Earlier in the day, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed scepticism over Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as Vice President, suggesting that there was something not quite right with his decision.
"The government should answer why he resigned. I can see 'dal mein kuch kaala hai.' His health is fine. He used to defend RSS and BJP always. Who and what is behind his resignation should be known to the country," Mallikarjun Kharge said.
Deputy Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on Dhankhar's resignation, alleging that the Prime Minister's comments highlighted the political nature of the resignation.
Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday evening "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," Dhankhar said in his letter.
"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," he added.
Dhankhar 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. (ANI)