Dhankhar resigns: Has the VP been asked to vacate his residence immediately? Govt clarifies
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) issued a public clarification, stating: 'It is being widely claimed on social media that Vice President's official residence has been sealed and former VP has been asked to vacate his residence immediately. These claims are Fake. Don't fall for misinformation. Always verify news from official sources before sharing it,' the PIB Fact Check team posted on X.
The clarification came as speculation mounted online over the circumstances surrounding Dhankhar's abrupt resignation, nearly two years before his term was due to end in August 2027.
While the official reason cited was health concerns, several opposition leaders have questioned the timing and suggested that the former vice president may have been pressured to step down.
According to PTI, Dhankhar, 74, has begun packing and is preparing to move out of the Vice President's Enclave, where he had been residing since April last year. Constructed under the Central Vista redevelopment plan, the Enclave is located on Church Road near the Parliament House complex.
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'He will be offered a Type VIII bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi or another area,' an Urban Development Ministry official told PTI.
As per protocol, former vice presidents are entitled to government accommodation, and the transition is being handled in accordance with standard procedures. The PIB reiterated that the residence has not been sealed and that the move is not sudden or forced.
Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, questioned the narrative, saying: '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.'
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee went a step further, alleging Dhankhar was 'forced' to resign by the Prime Minister and senior ministers and was 'threatened' with impeachment.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has initiated the process for electing a new vice president. The electoral college comprises elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament. According to Article 68(2) of the Constitution, a new vice president must be elected 'as soon as possible' after a vacancy arises. The NDA currently holds a comfortable majority in both Houses, giving it an edge in the upcoming election.
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