logo
Mamata Banerjee Questions Health Claims Behind Jagdeep Dhankhar's Abrupt Vice Presidential Exit

Mamata Banerjee Questions Health Claims Behind Jagdeep Dhankhar's Abrupt Vice Presidential Exit

Hans India4 days ago
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has cast doubt on the official explanation for Jagdeep Dhankhar's unexpected departure from the Vice Presidency, suggesting the former constitutional officer's health claims may not tell the complete story. During a press conference at the state secretariat Nabanna on Tuesday, the Trinamool Congress leader expressed her belief that Dhankhar remains in good health despite his cited medical reasons for resignation.
Banerjee deliberately avoided direct commentary on the resignation itself but made pointed observations about Dhankhar's physical condition. She characterized him as "a healthy man" whose health appears "absolutely fine," implying that other factors may have driven his decision to step down from India's second-highest constitutional office.
The West Bengal leader's skepticism carries particular weight given her turbulent history with Dhankhar during his previous role as the state's Governor. Their relationship was marked by persistent conflicts, formal correspondence disputes, and mutual accusations, with Banerjee frequently criticizing Dhankhar for allegedly exceeding his constitutional authority while serving in Raj Bhavan.
Banerjee's concerns reflect broader opposition skepticism about the circumstances surrounding Dhankhar's departure. Her cryptic suggestion to "watch" developments indicates expectations that more information about the resignation's true motivations may emerge over time.
The Chief Minister's position aligns with growing opposition criticism of the resignation's timing and rationale. Several political leaders have questioned whether health concerns alone could justify such an abrupt departure from constitutional office, particularly given Dhankhar's active participation in parliamentary proceedings just hours before his resignation.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has been particularly vocal in challenging the official narrative, alleging that the resignation was "forced" by government pressure rather than voluntary medical considerations. TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Sushmita Dev have similarly expressed surprise at the sudden nature of Dhankhar's decision, questioning whether health issues alone could explain such dramatic action.
The resignation makes Dhankhar only the third Vice President in Indian history to leave office mid-term, invoking Article 67(a) of the Constitution in his formal letter to President Droupadi Murmu. His departure has created unprecedented constitutional questions and highlighted tensions between different branches of government.
Opposition leaders' collective skepticism suggests broader concerns about institutional independence and the pressures facing constitutional officers in contemporary Indian politics. Their questioning of the health narrative indicates belief that political factors, rather than medical ones, may have ultimately determined Dhankhar's fate as Vice President.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘Terror and sports cannot go together': Congress on Asia Cup matches against Pakistan
‘Terror and sports cannot go together': Congress on Asia Cup matches against Pakistan

Indian Express

time19 minutes ago

  • Indian Express

‘Terror and sports cannot go together': Congress on Asia Cup matches against Pakistan

The Chandigarh Congress has opposed the proposed India-Pakistan cricket matches scheduled to be held during the Asia Cup in September, urging the Union Government to withhold clearance for the fixtures. The party has argued that 'terror and sports cannot go together,' questioning the moral and strategic logic behind resuming cricket ties with Pakistan. Rajiv Sharma, chief spokesperson of the Chandigarh Congress, said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to play against Pakistan at a neutral venue. He said the people of Chandigarh and other places in the country are upset with what he termed an 'unwarranted agreement,' particularly at a time when Operation Sindoor, launched in response to cross-border terrorism, is still ongoing. 'It is extremely disappointing that while not a single perpetrator of the Pahalgam attack has been brought to justice, the cricket boards of both nations are moving towards friendly sporting ties,' Sharma said. He warned that Indian sponsors' funds could inadvertently benefit the Pakistan Cricket Board, which, he claimed, may use the money to further terror activities against India. The Congress leader also questioned the BCCI's rationale behind opting for a neutral venue to accommodate Pakistan's interests, stating that India holds the right to host the tournament and should not compromise its position. Calling the decision an 'insult to the self-respect of the people of Chandigarh and the nation,' Sharma urged Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari to raise the issue in Parliament. He also slammed the office-bearers of the Union Territory Cricket Association for their silence on the matter, accusing them of compromising national pride for personal or political gains.

Mamata to meet Durga Puja organisers on July 31, launch ‘bhasha andolan' march tomorrow
Mamata to meet Durga Puja organisers on July 31, launch ‘bhasha andolan' march tomorrow

Indian Express

time21 minutes ago

  • Indian Express

Mamata to meet Durga Puja organisers on July 31, launch ‘bhasha andolan' march tomorrow

Ahead of Durga Puja, puja committees in West Bengal are expecting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to increase the financial grant for them, with a crucial meeting of festival organisers with the chief minister scheduled for July 31 at Kolkata's Netaji Indoor Stadium to finalise the plans. The meeting holds immense significance for thousands of big and small Durga Puja committees in Kolkata and other districts. Last year, the Government raised its grant from Rs 75,000 to Rs 85,000 per puja committee. Many feel the chief minister will increase the grant further to Rs 1 lakh in an announcement at the July 31 meeting. The chief minister will preside over the meeting, which is expected to see representatives from approximately 5,000 puja committees, high-ranking police officers, Kolkata's mayor, and officials from the fire department, the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, and other agencies. Puja committee officials are eagerly awaiting the day, as the chief minister traditionally announces not only financial aid but also various exemptions for the festival. Checks of the government grant are typically disbursed to committees via local police stations. Political analysts are keenly observing this year's meeting, given its timing ahead of the Assembly elections next year. The Trinamool Congress has seen positive electoral outcomes linked to the puja grants. With the Lok Sabha elections having concluded last year, during which the grant was increased, the potential increase in the grant to 1 lakh just before the Assembly elections is seen by political circles as a strategic move that could positively influence the ballot. Furthermore, the chief minister is said to be leveraging this platform to promote communal harmony. Beyond the financial aspects, the meeting will also provide essential guidelines for various festival preparations, including maintaining cleanliness and ensuring drinking water supply during the puja days. While some puja committees had previously returned the grant in protest over issues like the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the vast majority have consistently accepted the government's financial assistance. CM Mamata embarks on district tours, starting with Birbhum Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee started a district tour on Sunday, starting with Birbhum. Trinamool Congress sources said the chief minister would arrive in Birbhum on Sunday afternoon. Her itinerary includes an overnight stay at Rangabitan. On July 28, she will hold an administrative meeting at Gitanjali Theatre to review the district's development projects. She is also scheduled to lead a large march to protest against the targeting of Bengali speakers in other states–a 'bhasha andolan' (language agitation) march that she announced on July 21. The march will start from the Tourist Lodge intersection and conclude at the Jambuni bus stand, followed by a speech by the chief minister. On July 29, the chief minister will hold an administrative meeting in Illambazar. She is also expected to inaugurate a bridge built over the Ajay river to improve connectivity between Birbhum and West Burdwan. Additionally, appointment letters for Group D and junior constable posts will be distributed among landowners in the proposed Deuchapachamy coal industry area, and farmers will receive farming equipment. Ahead of the chief minister's visit, district Trinamool Congress chairperson Ashish Banerjee called an emergency core committee meeting at the party's Bolpur office on Thursday.

A section of Congress leaders rally in support of Satheesan against Vellappally's attacks
A section of Congress leaders rally in support of Satheesan against Vellappally's attacks

The Hindu

time21 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

A section of Congress leaders rally in support of Satheesan against Vellappally's attacks

A section of Congress leaders and members of some Muslim youth organisations appeared to rally in support of Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan who faced harsh criticism from Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) general secretary Vellappally Natesan for the third consecutive day on Sunday. Congress leader K.C. Joseph said in a social media post that criticism of any political leader, including Mr. Satheesan, should conform to accepted standards of public decency. He took strong exception to Mr. Natesan's 'insinuation' that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was above criticism in the House. (Mr. Natesan had accused Mr. Satheesan of being 'arrogant' to Mr. Vijayan in the Assembly, despite the latter's age and seniority). Congress legislator Mathew Kuzhalnadan termed attacks on Mr. Satheesan an attack on Congress. Social activist and writer Muhammad Kinalur accused the Congress leadership of being hesitant in marshalling support for Mr. Satheesan and being overly cautious around Mr. Natesan. Addressing an SNDP Yogam function at Mr. Satheesan's constituency in Paravur, Ernakulam, on Sunday, Mr. Natesan seemingly rubbished the latter's claim that the United Democratic Front (UDF) would regain power in the 2026 Assembly elections with 100 seats in its kitty. Posing a dare He dared Mr. Satheesan to go into political exile if the UDF's electoral aspirations failed. Mr. Natesan offered to step down from his post if the UDF got anywhere near 98 Assembly seats in 2026. He accused Mr. Satheesan of being 'patently anti-backward class.' Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) leader Sathar Panthaloor said the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which was prompt in arresting a person for criticising the late V.S. Achuthanandan, was reticent in prosecuting Mr. Natesan for 'spewing caste and communal venom'. Mr. Satheesan had earlier responded to Mr. Natesan's arguably vitriolic attacks by reminding the SNDP Yogam leader that his statements went against the principles of Sree Narayana Guru's humanist and secular philosophy. Mr. Natesan countered that Mr. Satheesan need not instruct him about the social reformer's teachings.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store