Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday asserted that former vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post due to health issues and dismissed rumours that he was under house arrest.
Shah’s reaction came even as the speculation surrounding Dhankhar’s sudden exit from the top constitutional post refused to die down, with the opposition alleging that he was “silenced” by the Narendra Modi government.
“Dhankar Sahab's resignation letter is clear in itself. He has cited health reasons for his resignation. He has also expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the Prime Minister and other ministers and government members for his good tenure,” the home minister said in an interview to ANI news agency.
Asked about the allegations made by certain opposition members that Dhankhar had been placed under “house arrest”, Shah said the interpretation of truth and lies should not rely solely on the opposition’s statements.
"It seems like your interpretation of truth and lies is based on what the opposition has to say. We shouldn't make a fuss out of all this. Dhankar held a constitutional post and discharged his duties as per the constitution. He resigned due to personal health reasons. One should not deliberate much on the issue," he said.
In a surprise move, Dhankhar announced his resignation on July 21, the first day of the monsoon session of parliament, citing health reasons. His sudden exit sparked speculation that he was forced to resign due to differences with the ruling party.
An election to pick his successor is scheduled to take place on September 9. In the vice-presidential election, NDA nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan, the governor of Maharashtra, is pitted against opposition nominee B. Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge.