Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee on Wednesday alleged that Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was “forced to resign” under pressure from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Cabinet ministers, claiming he was “threatened” with impeachment.
Speaking to the media, Banerjee also claimed that Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is being considered as the next Vice President of India.
“Jagdeep Dhankhar was pressured to step down. He was told to resign before 9 pm that day or face an impeachment motion. This is a clear pressure tactic by the PM and Cabinet ministers. Earlier, an Election Commissioner quit just before the elections… Now we hear Rajnath Singh will be made Vice President,” Banerjee said at a press briefing.
His remarks come amid growing speculation over Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation, announced on Monday evening — the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Opposition leaders have raised serious questions over the move, calling it “unusual” and hinting at deeper reasons behind it. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the government must explain the sudden resignation.
“The government must tell the nation why he resigned. I sense something suspicious — ‘dal mein kuch kaala hai’. His health seemed fine, and he was a strong RSS and BJP supporter. The real reason behind this must come out,” Kharge said.
Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, also took a swipe at Prime Minister Modi, suggesting that his response to Dhankhar’s resignation only underscored its political undertones.
Dhankhar, in his resignation letter, said he was stepping down “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice,” in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the Hon’ble President of India for her unwavering support and our cordial working relationship,” he wrote.
He also thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Council of Ministers, stating, “The Prime Minister’s cooperation has been invaluable, and I have learned a lot during my tenure.”
