President Murmu accepts Dhankhar's resignation

Oppn leaders question timing and circumstances of the Vice-President's decision

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Jagdeep Dhankhar's unexpected resignation as Vice President of India on 21 July, citing health reasons, has sent shockwaves through India's political landscape. The move, coming on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, has led to intense speculation, and prompted swift strategic huddles among the political fraternity with many opposition leaders and political pundits questioning the timing and circumstances of his decision.

Mr Dhankhar's consideration of an Opposition-sponsored resolution on the impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma is being touted as one of the major reasons that might have triggered his resignation. Mr Dhankhar had acknowledged the Opposition-sponsored impeachment motion brought against Justice Varma. Sources say that by accepting the Opposition's notice, Mr Dhankhar may have run afoul of the Centre's plan to target corruption in the judiciary.