Amit Shah Clarifies on Dhankhar's Resignation, Dismisses Opposition's “Missing” Claims

Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s silence after stepping down has triggered repeated allegations from the opposition, with Congress leaders even suggesting that he has gone “missing.” Responding to the speculation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that Dhankhar resigned purely due to health reasons.

In an interview with ANI, Shah said, “Jagdeep Dhankhar was holding a constitutional post and during his tenure he worked in full accordance with the Constitution. He has resigned because of personal health problems. No one should stretch this matter unnecessarily or try to read something more into it.”

Dhankhar resigned last month citing health issues, ahead of the Vice Presidential elections scheduled for 9 September. His decision had sparked political debate, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently questioning, “Do you know where the old Vice President has gone?”

Meanwhile, the NDA has nominated Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate, while the INDIA alliance has fielded former Supreme Court judge B. Sudarshan Reddy. On Reddy, Amit Shah reiterated his criticism, recalling the 2011 Supreme Court judgment he authored striking down the state-backed anti-Naxal campaign Salwa Judum. “By rejecting Salwa Judum, he ended the tribals’ right of self-defense. That decision prolonged Naxalism in India for over two decades. Clearly, leftist ideology has guided his selection as the opposition candidate,” Shah said.

Vice Presidential Election Timeline

• Notification issued: August 7

• Last date for nominations: August 21

• Scrutiny of nominations: August 22

• Last date for withdrawal: August 25

• Voting date: September 9

• Counting of votes: September 9