
Shock exit: Dhankhar quits as VP on first day of Parl session
NEW DELHI: It was business as usual till around 4pm for Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. He presided over the opening day of the monsoon session of Rajya Sabha and attended a meeting of the business advisory committee of the House.
At 3.53pm, a govt statement said the VP would be visiting Jaipur on Wednesday.
Such a trip, while Parliament is in session, would have raised eyebrows. A few hours later, Dhankhar dropped a bombshell, abruptly announcing his resignation with immediate effect two years before his tumultous term was to end. "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice-President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution," he wrote in his letter to President Droupadi Murmu.
A shock exit
The move immediately set off speculation about the real trigger, with many wondering as to the nature of the medical condition that necessitated his quitting the constitutional position, second only to the President in protocol.
Few were convinced about the health explanation, particularly given that those who visited him in recent months detected signs that he was less than happy, even as he made it a point to swear by the present political leadership.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years
IC Markets
Learn More
Undo
He underwent a cardiac procedure at AIIMS in March after he complained of uneasiness. On June 25, he had fainted while delivering a speech at Nainital. But he seemed to be in fine fettle on Monday, making his trademark interventions and betraying no sign of the graveness he invoked to explain his exit.
Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in Aug 2022 and his tenure was till 2027.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Indian Express
7 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Kashmir is paradise on earth, sufsim promoted secularism: CJI Gavai
SRINAGAR: Praising Kashmir, the Chief Justice of India Justice B R Gavai on Sunday described Kashmir as 'Paradise on Earth' and said Sufism has truly promoted secularism in the country. While addressing the North Zone Regional Conference of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in Srinagar, the CJI started his address by famous Persian couplet, 'Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast' (If there is a paradise on Earth, it is here, it is here and it is only here).' 'I am happy that I am again getting the opportunity to meet you in Kashmir, which is known as paradise. Whenever I have visited Kashmir, I have got love from everybody,' he said. 'I feel like I have come to my hometown. I am thankful for all the love and affection showered on me. I have been to all parts of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh,' the CJI said. 'Kashmir's Valleys, mountains, rivers, streams and if we see these, it can be safely said that Kashmir is a true paradise.' The CJI spoke of Kashmir's 3,000-year-old civilisational heritage and rich culture. He credited Sufism for upholding the values of secularism written in our country's constitution. 'The Sufism has truly promoted secularism,' he asserted. Referring to secularism in J&K, the CJI said in Dargahs, every section of society including Hindus, Muslims or Sikhs go. 'Similarly, people of every religion go to Mandirs and Gurudwaras' CJO Gavai lauded efforts of NALSA and J&K Legal Services Authority for convening the interaction. He also reflected on the legal and administrative foundation laid in the region as early as 1846, calling it one of the oldest and most structured legal systems in India. 'From 1928 till before independence of the country, a high court had been established here and Maharajas here also respected the orders passed by the high court,' he said. 'In the country's Constitution, we have promised ourselves justice — political, social and economic. We are bound to see that justice is implemented in its true spirit. The legal fraternity needs to have a commitment to the true values of the Constitution,' he said. The CJI said that while Babasaheb B R Ambedkar brought about political justice by adopting the principle 'one person, one vote and one value', the author of the Constitution spoke about social compartmentalisation and the difficulty of moving from one compartment to another. 'Our society has been divided into different compartments. The entry from one compartment to another is nearly impossible. On the economic front, our wealth is concentrated in a few hands while the vast majority of the people find it difficult to have two meals a day. We will have to eliminate this inequality and bring about social and economic equality in the true sense. We have all to remain committed to this whether it is executive, legislature or judicial. We are bound to see to it that social and economic justice is implemented in true spirit in this country,' he said. Indirectly referring to the situation in Kashmir during the last 35 years, the CJI said there have been aberrations that need to be undone. 'There have been aberrations, but we have to work to remove these. This dialogue between judges and lawyers will give a new perspective. I am sure this programme will help in rebuilding the traditional and undivided Kashmir where all communities — Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs — used to live together,' he said. Asserting that lawyers and judges are like two wheels of the golden chariot of justice, CJI said, 'If you span one wheel, the efficacy of the entire chariot comes to a standstill. For this, lawyers and judges should work together to give justice to the people who live in the last village of this country. Unless people have the knowledge of their rights, the rights are of no use'. In a key policy suggestion, the CJI urged the Chief Justice of the J&K High Court to consider establishing a separate bench for the Union Territory of Ladakh, acknowledging the consistent demand raised by the Ladakh Bar. ===Ends===


Time of India
7 minutes ago
- Time of India
Badal condemns denial of entry to Sikh girl to Rajasthan exam centre for wearing kirpan, kara
Sukhbir Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal president, has condemned an incident in Jaipur where a Sikh girl was barred from a judicial services exam for wearing Sikh religious symbols. Badal cited a violation of constitutional rights and urged Prime Minister Modi to intervene, highlighting increasing disrespect towards Sikh identity. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal SAD ) president Sukhbir Badal on Sunday claimed a baptised Sikh girl from Punjab's Tarn Taran district was stopped from entering a centre for Rajasthan Judicial Services examination in Jaipur as she was wearing 'kara' and 'kirpan', both sacred articles of Sikh faith."This was a gross violation of her constitutional rights guaranteed under Article 25 and it denied her fundamental right to practise her religion. Article 25 of the Constitution specifically mentions 'kirpan' among other symbols of Sikh religion, which are exempt from any bar, even in flights," Badal said in a SAD chief expressed grave concern over "growing" incidents of disrespect and discrimination against the sacred symbols of Sikh religion, and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter to put an end to this "painful chain of events" in the a letter, Badal drew Modi's attention to the latest incident in which Gurpreet Kaur from Tarn Taran was stopped from entering the examination centre in Jaipur."It is shocking that rules, if any, are framed by lower authorities flouting the sacred Constitution of India. The government of India should issue -- or, if necessary -- re-issue clear cut guidelines to all states and Union territories about the exemption to the inseparable articles of faith," Badal said in his letter to the prime Akali Dal chief said this was not a one-off incident but part of the ever-increasing number of examples of religious intolerance towards the uniqueness of Sikh a similar incident last year, two Sikh girls were stopped from appearing for the Rajasthan Judicial Services (RJS) exam in Jodhpur."Sikhs and their identity are inseparable and this was duly acknowledged and constitutionally mandated for compliance for all purposes in the country."But some officials at lower rungs deem themselves above the Constitution. This must stop as this vitiates communal harmony in the country," Badal also urged the Rajasthan High Court to provide the Sikh girl a special opportunity to appear for the RJS exam, ensuring that her right to uphold her faith is in the day, the SAD chief asked Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to take strict action in the matter to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in his state.


Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Popular ice cream brands recalled across US after labeling error
More than a dozen popular ice cream products are being recalled nationwide after a labeling error that could put people with milk allergies at risk, the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) says. Tropicale Foods , based in Ontario, California, announced the voluntary recall Friday(July 25) for select Helados Mexico and La Michoacana ice cream products. The issue is the labels list 'cream' as an ingredient, but not 'milk,' a major allergen under federal law. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Operations Management PGDM Technology Finance Healthcare MBA Digital Marketing Project Management Cybersecurity Data Analytics Leadership Artificial Intelligence Management MCA others Product Management Data Science Design Thinking CXO Others Data Science Degree Public Policy healthcare Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details 'People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,' the company said in a statement posted to the FDA's website. 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 Undo What's affected The recall covers several single-flavor bars, coconut, strawberry , bubble gum, cookies and cream, and mango, along with 6-pack, 12-pack, and 16-pack multipacks sold nationwide. The affected 'best by' dates range from May 2026 to July 2027. Live Events Milk is one of nine major allergens that must be clearly labeled under federal law. Undeclared allergens can trigger severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. So far, one illness linked to the recalled products has been reported, according to the company. What you should do If you have any of the recalled products and are allergic or sensitive to milk, do not eat them, the FDA warns. Consumers should throw them away or return them to the store for a refund. For questions, contact Tropicale Foods at 909-563-3090, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm PT.