Monsoon Session of Parliament: Day of 'surprise' events capped by Jagdeep Dhankhar's abrupt resignation
Dhankhar
's decision to resign as Vice President on Monday night has triggered a firestorm of speculation on whether there was more to it than "to prioritise health care", as his sudden move had capped a day of events in
Rajya Sabha
on his watch which took the government by surprise and put it in a damage-control mode.
The usual effusive praise that is showered on an occupant of a high office on his departure was missing from the ruling alliance's side, an indication that the government was probably happy to see him go. It was the Opposition, which had signed a notice to impeach him last year for his alleged biases, that had nice words for him.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Please select course:
Select a Course Category
Product Management
Design Thinking
Public Policy
Finance
Operations Management
Others
Data Science
MCA
CXO
healthcare
Healthcare
Cybersecurity
Technology
MBA
Digital Marketing
Management
Data Science
others
PGDM
Leadership
Artificial Intelligence
Data Analytics
Degree
Project Management
Skills you'll gain:
Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics
Product Development Processes & Market Orientations
Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making
Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership
Duration:
40 Weeks
IIM Kozhikode
Professional Certificate in Product Management
Starts on
Jun 26, 2024
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Creating Effective Product Roadmap
User Research & Translating it to Product Design
Key Metrics via Product Analytics
Hand-On Projects Using Cutting Edge Tools
Duration:
12 Weeks
Indian School of Business
ISB Product Management
Starts on
May 14, 2024
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Product Strategy & Roadmapping
User-Centric Product Design
Agile Product Development
Market Analysis & Product Launch
Duration:
24 Weeks
Indian School of Business
Professional Certificate in Product Management
Starts on
Jun 26, 2024
Get Details
Dhankhar had informed the House on Monday that he had received a notice for a motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma, who is embroiled in a suspected corruption case, from 63 opposition MPs. The Vice President is ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Play War Thunder now for free
War Thunder
Play Now
That the notice went against the government's plan to marshal a bipartisan motion for Justice Varma's removal in the Lok Sabha and not in the Upper House was made more embarrassing for the ruling alliance by the fact that it was an entirely opposition-sponsored exercise.
Senior government ministers swung into action by getting many Rajya Sabha MPs of the BJP and its allies to put their signatures on a document which some members said was for a similar notice to ensure that opposition members alone were not behind the exercise in the Upper House.
Live Events
Many other signatories kept mum, while a few stated that they were not aware of the details as they signed a paper that did not carry details of the matter, drawing the conjecture that it was related to Dhankhar. A couple of senior leaders, however, insisted that it was all aimed at ensuring that National Democratic Alliance MPs were also part of the notice for Varma's removal.
Some observers noted that Dhankhar, who wore the hat of a senior lawyer before becoming West Bengal governor in 2019, had taken lead in taking on the judiciary over a host of issues, the latest one involving Varma, and might have felt left out when it appeared that the motion to remove the high court judge was to be piloted in the Lok Sabha.
Another development that suggested the government's unhappiness with Dhankhar was the absence of the Leader of House in Rajya Sabha,
J P Nadda
, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju from the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, which includes members of different parties and decides on the House agenda, at 4.30 PM on Monday.
The meeting, which was chaired by Dhankhar, was held as an earlier meeting, which Nadda and Rijiju had attended, could not arrive at a decision on the House's final agenda.
Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh speculated in a post on X that something serious clearly occurred between 1 PM and 4.30 PM, which prompted Nadda and Rijiju to skip the BAC "deliberately". This naturally did not go well with Dhankhar, he claimed.
Nadda told reporters that both of them were busy in official work and had informed the Rajya Sabha Chairman's office about it.
A few BJP members were also critical of Dhankhar's decision to allow the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, to launch a sharp attack on the government over
Operation Sindoor
during the Zero Hour when the ruling alliance had already expressed its willingness for a discussion on the issue.
At 9.25 PM on Monday, Dhankhar (74) announced his resignation "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice".
Barring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who put out a brief post, most of the leading government figures refrained from offering any comment.
Modi said on X, "Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health."
Opposition MP Kapil Sibal, long a bitter critic of Dhankhar, lauded him as a nationalist and patriot.
He wanted the opposition and the government to work together to enhance India's standing in the world, the senior lawyer said.
Many leaders are of the view that the ties between Dhankhar and the government might have got strained over a period of time, but there is little clarity on the reasons for these differences.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Retailers bank on discounts, cashbacks & EMIs to drive consumer durable sales this festive season
Pune: Consumer durable brands and retailers are pinning hopes on increased rural demand and discretionary spending during the upcoming festive season, expecting a 12-15% jump in sales of large appliances, gadgets and kitchen essentials, fuelled by discounts and attractive financing options. Wanowrie resident Santosh Sawla, who delayed buying a new fridge and kitchen appliances for a while, said, "With the festive season around the corner and great discounts on offer, I am finally ready to make the purchase." Reshma Gupta, who moved to Pune recently, said she had been eyeing a new TV and sound system since moving to Vimannagar. "But, I was waiting for the festive sales to kick in. Now that the discounts are out, I am excited to make the purchase," she said. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Retailers like Vijay Sales are luring customers with up to 60% discounts on consumer durables and electronics, coupled with bank partnerships that offer instant discounts, cashbacks and EMI options. Vijay Sales' MD Nilesh Gupta said, "We are anticipating a 10-12% sales growth during this early festive period, driven by strong demand across all categories and a notable trend towards premium products." Croma is also bullish on sales this festive season, driven by pent-up consumer demand, new product launches and attractive offers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dog The Bounty Hunter's Stunning Transformation Reportingly Undo With tier-II and smaller cities showing strong growth, customers are keen to upgrade their devices through exchange offers. A Croma spokesperson said, "We are offering up to 50% discount on electronics and appliances, with standout deals on smartphones, TVs, AI laptops as well as refrigerators, washing machines and kitchen appliances. " Panasonic expects a surge in demand across its product range with the festive season kicking off from Onam. Fumiyasu Fujimori, MD of Panasonic Marketing India, said, "Smart, connected and energy-efficient appliances are in high demand, with inverter ACs dominating our sales and smart ACs accounting for nearly 45% of that segment. To drive sales, we will be offering attractive financing options, extended warranties and cashbacks across categories, making premium appliances more accessible to customers. " "While the year began on a tepid note, the market has now picked up. We are expecting good sales this festive season. There is a drive towards premium products, and we are seeing good demand for 55-inch TVs," Devita Saraf, chairperson, Vu Televisions, said. Eureka Forbes expects this Independence Day to mark the start of a strong festive cycle, especially in the home and wellness segment. "To make festive upgrades more accessible, we've launched a range of attractive offers this Independence Day, including up to 25% discount on select water and air purifiers, no-cost EMIs and easy financing options across categories. We are also offering cashback benefits on purchases through select cards and wallets," Anurag Kumar, chief growth officer, Eureka Forbes, said. Kamal Nandi, business head and EVP at appliances business of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, "We have an extensive product line-up with advanced technologies powered by AI and design-led innovations this festive season. Offers include attractive cashbacks running up to Rs 12,000 and extended warranties going up to 5 years. We are also offering comprehensive warranty on AC, front load washing machines and deep freezers. "
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
IIM Vizag organises Vani Row memorial lecture
1 2 Visakhapatnam : The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIMV) organised Vani Row memorial lecture on the birth anniversary of the noted investment banker on Wednesday. Held annually on Aug 6, the event celebrates her remarkable life, legacy, and contributions, continuing to inspire future leaders. A native of Visakhapatnam and a distinguished alumna of IIM Ahmedabad, Vani Row was a globally respected consultant and investment banker who left an indelible mark in both India and the United States before her untimely demise. The chief guest, Uma Sudhindra, member of the board of governors at IIMV, delivered the keynote address. Drawing from more than three decades of people-focused professional experience, she offered insights on personal branding as a strategy, emphasising the core principles of clarity, consistency, credibility, and visibility. IIMV dean (administration) prof Kaveri Krishnan and IIM Vizag director Prof M Chandrasekhar reflected on the establishment of the Vani Row Memorial Incubation Centre, inaugurated on the same occasion in 2024. The Centre, made possible through a generous endowment by Dr. B R L Row, father of Vani Row, currently supports over 180 startups, many of them led by women entrepreneurs, carrying forward Vani Row's vision of empowerment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo A particularly moving segment featured reflections from recipients of the Vani Row memorial gold medal, awarded each year to the top performing woman student of the MBA programme. Medalists from 2020 to 2025 shared personal accounts of how receiving the award shaped their journeys. In his address, Dr. B R L Row, a distinguished scientist, philanthropist, and father of Vani Row, shared how deeply touched he was by the medallists' reflections. He recalled that when his daughter aspired to join an IIM, opportunities and encouragement for women in business education were scarce. Yet, she moved forward with courage and clarity. He added that seeing so many inspired by her legacy brings him immense happiness. Dean (academics) Prof Vijaya Bhaskar Marisetty said that Vani Row is a living legacy that continues to inspire and empower. Faculty, staff, students, and members of the IIMV community were present at the programme.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Trump and Putin meet in person soon? White House signals fresh push from US to end Russia-Ukraine conflict amid tariff threats
As US President Donald Trump seeks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, he could meet in person with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as soon as next week, a White House official said Wednesday (August 6, 2025). The White House official, however, did not confirm the schedule of the meeting yet and cautioned that no location has been determined. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal plans. The White House said Trump was also open to a meeting with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. If Trump meets Putin, it would be their first meeting since he returned to office in 2025 after winning the presidential polls in 2024. The meeting of two leaders would be a significant milestone in the 3-year-old war, though there's no promise that such a meeting would lead to the end of the fighting since Russia and Ukraine remain far apart on their demands. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Trump, who appeared before reporters later at the White House, didn't answer questions about a potential location for a meeting, but when asked about a summit with Putin and Zelenskyy, said, 'There's a very good prospect that they will' meet. The president declined to predict how close he was to reaching a deal to end the fighting, saying, 'I've been disappointed before with this one.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Suffering From Pain After Age 50? Do This Every Morning Wellnee Undo Threat of US sanctions Earlier on Wednesday, the same White House official said the U.S. was still expected to impose secondary sanctions against Russia on Friday, after a 10-day deadline that Trump imposed was to expire. The White House has not yet released details about the sanctions. Live Events Washington has threatened 'severe tariffs' and other economic penalties if the killing doesn't stop. Trump has also threatened to slap tariffs on nations that buy Russian oil, which could increase import taxes dramatically on China and India. He said Tuesday he hadn't publicly committed to any particular tariff rate and indicated that his decision could depend on an outcome of the meeting with Putin. Trump has expressed increasing frustration with Putin over Russia's escalating strikes on civilian areas of Ukraine, intended to erode morale and public appetite for the war. The intensified attacks have occurred even as Trump has urged the Russian leader in recent months to relent. Rubio lowers expectations for a meeting Responding to a query on a potential Trump-Putin meeting in an interview with Fox Business, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, 'A lot has to happen before that can occur.' Rubio said Washington would be having talks with its European allies and the Ukrainians over the next few days. He said a Trump meeting directly with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine would help close an agreement, but said, 'We've got to get close enough to that point so that a meeting like that will be productive and worth doing.' 'Today was a good day, but we've got a lot of work ahead," he said. "There are still many impediments to overcome.' News of a potential meeting with Putin, which was first reported by The New York Times, came hours after Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow. Trump had posted earlier on Truth Social that Witkoff 'had a highly productive meeting' with Putin in which 'great progress was made.' Would work toward an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, says Trump Trump said earlier Wednesday that he had updated America's allies in Europe and that they would work toward an end to the war 'in the days and weeks to come.' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that the 'Russians had expressed their desire' to meet with Trump. The Kremlin has not yet commented on any potential meetings with Trump. Witkoff met with Putin days before the White House's deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or potentially face severe economic penalties that could also hit countries buying its oil. The meeting between Putin and Witkoff lasted about three hours, the Kremlin said. Putin's foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said Putin and Witkoff had a 'useful and constructive conversation' that focused on the Ukrainian crisis and, in a nod toward improving relations between Washington and Moscow, 'prospects for possible development of strategic cooperation" between the United States and Russia.
