How Dhankhar’s exit has landed Oppn in Catch-22, put unity to fresh test

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation has shaken India’s political landscape. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has kept silent, the Opposition faces a Catch-22 situation. They cannot criticize Dhankhar too strongly without appearing insensitive to his health concerns. Yet, staying quiet risks losing momentum in the political narrative. This balancing act is testing the unity of the INDIA bloc as the country prepares for the vice-presidential election.


Dhankhar’s Sudden Exit and Political Ripples

Dhankhar resigned citing health reasons, but his move surprised both the government and the Opposition. His tenure saw frequent clashes with opposition parties, which accused him of bias during parliamentary debates. Yet, after his resignation, Opposition leaders have softened their tone. Congress leaders such as Jairam Ramesh and Mallikarjun Kharge praised Dhankhar, calling him a kisanputra who worked with dignity.

This shift shows their political dilemma. Earlier, they moved a no-confidence motion against him for his conduct in Parliament. Now, being overly critical may seem hypocritical, while staying silent might look like weakness.


The Opposition’s Catch-22

The Catch-22 lies in balancing respect for Dhankhar with their duty to question the government. If they demand answers about the resignation, they may be accused of politicizing personal issues. But if they remain quiet, they let the ruling party dominate the narrative.

The challenge is even bigger within the INDIA bloc. Achieving consensus on a joint vice-presidential candidate is hard. In past elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) followed its own path. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is not part of the bloc. Without unity, the BJP’s candidate can win easily.


Internal Rifts Come to the Fore

Dhankhar’s exit has exposed differences within the Opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi reminded others of their past criticism of Dhankhar, urging caution in praising him. Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders want to appear respectful, likely to project a more statesmanlike image.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) has taken a neutral approach. They expressed surprise but avoided a sharp political attack. Such mixed signals make it harder to form a clear strategy. If the INDIA bloc cannot agree now, its ability to challenge the BJP in future elections will remain doubtful.


The Constitutional Angle

Dhankhar’s departure has created a temporary vacuum. The Vice President also chairs the Rajya Sabha. His sudden exit might slow legislative business. There is also the pending impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma, which Dhankhar had been handling. His resignation leaves the motion in an uncertain state, sparking fresh debates.

The Election Commission will soon announce the vice-presidential election schedule. Opposition parties have little time to pick a joint nominee. If they delay, the BJP will gain an edge by projecting decisiveness and unity.


The BJP’s Calculated Silence

The BJP has avoided strong public statements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief message on social media thanked Dhankhar for his service but lacked detail. This silence has raised speculation about possible tensions between Dhankhar and the government.

Opposition parties are trying to use this silence to question the official narrative. Some leaders ask whether Dhankhar resigned willingly or under pressure. But they must avoid appearing disrespectful or insensitive, which could backfire.


What Lies Ahead?

The Opposition now faces a test of both unity and strategy. The vice-presidential election could become a turning point. To gain ground, the INDIA bloc must:

  1. Create a clear narrative – They should respect Dhankhar but also seek transparency about his sudden move.
  2. Unite on one candidate – A divided approach will only strengthen the BJP.
  3. Focus on bigger issues – They must shift attention to governance, economy, and public welfare instead of overplaying Dhankhar’s resignation.

Conclusion

Dhankhar’s resignation has created a rare political moment. For the Opposition, it offers both a challenge and an opportunity. They can highlight the BJP’s internal conflicts, but only if they manage their own divisions.

The coming weeks will reveal whether the INDIA bloc can turn this Catch-22 into an advantage. A united front in the vice-presidential election would signal strength. A divided response, however, would confirm that the Opposition is still struggling to present a credible alternative to the BJP. Every step they take now will shape the political narrative.