Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation as the Vice-President of India was a bolt from the blue. Though Mr. Dhankhar is said to have cited ‘health grounds’, the alacrity with which the same was accepted by the President of India as well as the Prime Minister’s cryptic post on X wishing him good health, make one one wonder whether the powers that be wanted Mr. Dhankhar out of the way. His relationship with the BJP’s top leadership was quite frosty of late. Be that as it may, Mr. Dhankhar was often accused by the Opposition of having a pronounced pro-government stance in the conduct of proceedings in the Rajya Sabha. His tenure was also marked by his being the first Vice-President in history against whom the Opposition had felt constrained to move an impeachment motion. When he was the Governor of West Bengal too, Mr. Dhankhar, sadly on occasions, did transgress the constitutional boundaries set for this high office. His frequent criticism of the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment about the concept of “ basic structures” of the Constitution and his assertion about “ the supremacy of Parliament” over the other organs of governance were also becoming confrontational by the day. One waits to see what happens next.

S.K. Choudhury,

Bengaluru

Mr. Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation has provided munitions to Opposition leaders, who see the move as politically loaded. Though Mr. Dhankhar has cited his health as the reason for his departure, the disconnect between his public appearances and the stated reasons for his resignation has fuelled speculation that there might be other factors at play. As the nation awaits Mr. Dhankhar’s successor, the ramifications of his hurried exit will no doubt resonate throughout the halls of power in India for some time to come.

R. Sivakumar,

Chennai

Mr. Dhankhar’s sudden resignation, though officially due to health reasons, points to deeper issues at play. His exit suggests possible political or institutional tensions. He might have felt sidelined or constrained and his move could reflect silent protest against the growing friction between the branches of power. His resignation raises important questions on whether democratic institutions are functioning the way they are meant to.

Dr. Vijaykumar H.K.,

Raichur, Karnataka

V.S. Achuthanandan

The passing of V.S. Achuthanandan has created a deep void in the political spectrum. When he was the Chief Minister of Kerala, he led campaigns to reclaim illegally occupied land, fought corruption, supported free-software in schools, and launched major development projects such as the Kochi container terminal and IT parks. The great political leader would be remembered for his staunch and ecumenical approach towards the underprivileged as well. He was a great leader revered by all, irrespective of different ideologies.

Sajna Hameed,

Hyderabad