New Delhi: Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who abruptly resigned from office on July 21 citing health reasons, made his first public appearance on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony of his successor CP Radhakrishnan at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The ceremony, held in the Durbar Hall, saw President Droupadi Murmu administer the oath of office to Radhakrishnan, who formally became the 15th Vice President of India.
Dhankhar, accompanied by his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, was seated in the front row alongside former Vice Presidents Venkaiah Naidu and Hamid Ansari. He appeared composed and was seen exchanging greetings with the President and conversing with Naidu during the event. His presence marked a significant moment, as he has largely stayed away from the public eye since stepping down, fueling speculation over his health and the circumstances surrounding his resignation.
His sudden exit, weeks before the election of a new Vice President, had caught the political establishment by surprise. While his resignation letter cited medical reasons, opposition parties and observers had raised questions over whether political factors were also at play. Reports suggested that in the days following his resignation, Dhankhar moved to a farmhouse before being allotted a Type 8 bungalow in Delhi.
At the swearing-in, his return to the public stage drew considerable attention, with many interpreting it as a first step towards re-engaging with political and public life. The sight of the former Vice President in good health also eased some of the concerns that had been voiced over the past few weeks. However, his reappearance is likely to reignite discussions about the reasons behind his abrupt resignation and what role he may choose to play in the political landscape in the months ahead.
