New Delhi [India], August 21 : CPI MP and Leader of the Party in the Rajya Sabha, P Sandosh Kumar, has written a letter to former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar,
expressing concern over his sudden resignation and subsequent "disappearance" from public life.
In his letter, Sandosh Kumar recalled that Dhankhar's resignation from the office of the Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha a month ago, citing "health reasons," came as a "shock" to Parliament and the entire country. While differences during his tenure in the Chair were natural, the dignity of the office he held was always respected, an official statement issued Communist Party of India's Parliamentary Party Office read.
"What has caused greater anxiety, the letter notes, is Dhankhar's complete absence from the public domain since his resignation. He has not addressed the press, not appeared in public, and even prescheduled events were cancelled. Such silence and withdrawal, after citing health reasons, has understandably created deep concern among fellow parliamentarians and
citizens regarding his well-being," the release added.
P Sandosh Kumar observed that while the process to elect his successor is already underway, "clarity and reassurance from Jagdeep Dhankhar himself would help dispel speculation, unease, and unanswered questions that continue to surround his unprecedented resignation".
The CPI Parliamentary Party underlines that this appeal is made in utmost sincerity, with due regard for the dignity of the high constitutional office Dhankhar held, and in the interest of transparency and accountability in public life, the party said.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, on the opening day of the Monsoon session of the Parliament, July 21, resigned from the position of Vice President "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice."
National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate has fielded CP Radhakrishnan for the elections of the Vice Presidential post, whereas the INDIA bloc has nominated Justice (Retd) B Sudershan Reddy.
The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, with counting on the same day.