**Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns as Vice President: Mamata Banerjee Responds**
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reacted to Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation as Vice President, which he attributed to health concerns. Banerjee, speaking on Tuesday, asserted that the 74-year-old Dhankhar is in good health, stating, “I don’t want to make any comment about this. Let’s see what happens. He is a healthy man. I think his health is absolutely okay.” This remark comes after a tumultuous relationship between the two during Dhankhar’s tenure as West Bengal Governor from 2019 to 2022, marked by frequent confrontations.
Dhankhar’s resignation followed his role as Rajya Sabha Chairman during the first day of the Monsoon Session, which was characterized by disruptions and subsequent adjournment. Even his staunchest critics in the Opposition, who had previously sought to impeach him, suggested that there may be more to his resignation than meets the eye.
In a pointed critique of the BJP amid the controversy surrounding Dhankhar’s departure, Banerjee remarked, “First set your own house in order. Douse the fire inside your own house before you try to put it out elsewhere. Sort your own house first and no need to target Bengal.”
Throughout his nearly three-year term as Governor, Dhankhar’s relationship with Banerjee was fraught with public disputes and political tension. He often utilized his official social media account to comment on state affairs, frequently criticizing the ruling Trinamool Congress government, which led Banerjee to block him. The Chief Minister accused Dhankhar of overstepping constitutional boundaries and inciting unrest, while Dhankhar claimed he faced verbal attacks from ministers and experienced indignities in his role.
Dhankhar, who assumed the Vice Presidency in August 2022, submitted his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, stating, “To prioritize health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.” Following his resignation, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh will oversee daily affairs until a new Vice President is elected. President Murmu accepted Dhankhar’s resignation on Tuesday, paving the way for an upcoming vice presidential election.
**FAQ**
**What prompted Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation as Vice President?**
Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned citing health reasons, stating the need to prioritize healthcare and follow medical advice.