Omar Abdullah Wishes Ex-Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Well Upon Resignation

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended his best wishes to former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned from office on Monday citing health reasons. Speaking to the media during a condolence visit in Safapora, Ganderbal district, Abdullah remarked that Dhankhar’s resignation appeared to be unprecedented in nature.

“I think this is the first time perhaps that a vice president of the country has resigned in such a manner,” Abdullah said, as quoted by PTI. “Obviously, his health did not allow him to work further. We hope the next vice president will do justice in a real sense to the chair and the office.”

The chief minister had visited Safapora to offer his condolences to the family of an assault and murder victim.

Dhankhar's unexpected resignation as the Vice President of India on Monday prompted several speculations within the political sphere. The sudden decision has particularly raised many eyebrows in the opposition parties, particularly the Congress, which belived that there may be 'far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye'.

In his first remarks after the resignation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished him good health, acknowledging Dhankhar's service to the nation in multiple roles.

“Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health,” the PM said on X after speculations passed across the political spectrum as to the actual reason for his departure from the second highest constitutional office in the country. 

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X. “No doubt Mr Dhankhar has to give topmost priority to his health. But clearly there is far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye,” he had said. “This is not the time for speculation. We also expect the Prime Minister to get Mr Dhankhar to change his mind. This will be in the nation’s interest,” the Congress leader said.