In an exclusive conversation with India Today's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P. Chidambaram stated on Tuesday, "Jagdeep Dhankhar had to resign from the position of Vice President because he overstepped his boundaries, opposing the government by accepting a proposal against Justice Yashwant Verma."
Chidambaram asserted that this might have soured his relations with the government, evidently showing that the two are no longer on the same page.
Chidambaram expressed, "When the government lost trust in Dhankhar, he had no choice but to leave."
'Dhankhar's Support Has Waned...'
He pointed out Dhankhar's brief and formal resignation announcement in the Rajya Sabha as proof of the lack of mutual respect remaining between the two sides. The Congress MP noted the absence of a farewell ceremony, indicating a withdrawal of support for Dhankhar.
Chidambaram further noted, "The Deputy Chairman made a brief and formal announcement about the Vice President's vacancy in Rajya Sabha and mentioned the schedule would be announced later. This implies the government bid farewell to Jagdeep Dhankhar without any noise or pomp, signifying a complete breakdown of trust and relations."
The former Union Minister also discussed the growing tension between the judiciary and the executive, stating that Dhankhar had been adopting a confrontational stance on judicial matters for more than a year.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in August 2022, with a tenure lasting until 2027.
Read More: Is the Opposition United? Jairam Backs Jagdeep Dhankhar Amid Divided Opinions Among Opposition MPs
'Modi Government Supports As Long As...'
Chidambaram further explained that the Modi government supports individuals only as long as they align with its stance, withdrawing support the moment they diverge.
He remarked, "We are aware of the character of the Modi government. They maintain friendships as long as one agrees with them, but as soon as someone differs, they withdraw their support. I'm not saying this was exactly the case with Jagdeep Dhankhar, but something must have happened."
Additionally, Chidambaram referenced a Business Advisory Committee meeting attended by BJP leaders J.P. Nadda and Kiren Rijiju at 12:30 PM, but they didn't attend the reconvened meeting, which others saw as a boycott.
Chidambaram commented that Dhankhar appeared displeased with these developments and concluded the meeting. He questioned, "What happened between 12:30 and 4:30 PM?"
When asked if the opposition was altering its stance on the former Vice President, Chidambaram denied any change, stating that the opposition had lost trust in Jagdeep Dhankhar months ago.
