The Congress party claims that he left for deeper, unknown reasons, despite the stated explanation being health-related. Following the discovery of burned currency notes at the judge’s home, the Congress has been especially outspoken in its claims that Dhankhar was “forced” to quit after accepting a notice from opposition MPs calling for Justice Yashwant Varma to be removed. This may have caused Dhankhar to clash with some elements of the ruling elite, according to sources.
Dhankhar was denied the opportunity to give a goodbye statement in the Rajya Sabha, despite the importance of his constitutional position. This issue was brought up by opposition members during the Working Advisory Committee meeting, who described the omission as politically driven and undignified. The INDIA bloc has responded by organizing a goodbye luncheon for Dhankhar in an effort to offer him the dignified farewell they feel he merits. However, given the escalating tensions and the politicization of his retirement, reports indicate that Dhankhar is unlikely to attend the occasion.
His departure also comes only months after he became the first Vice President to receive a no-confidence letter, which was ultimately rejected, and faced the unusual possibility of being impeached. In an already divisive political environment, the farewell dispute now runs the potential of turning into a new flashpoint as parties spar over appropriateness, authority, and decorum.
