New Delhi [India], July 23 : Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his post on social media concerning the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice President, saying it has "added to the mystery of his abrupt exit".
Jairam Ramesh alleged that "kisanputra" has been denied even a dignified farewell". The Congress leader termed Dhankhar's resignation as "forced"
"The PM's non-post on X regarding Shri Jagdeep Dhankar's forced resignation has only added to the mystery of his abrupt exit. Surely the PM could have been a bit more gracious--he is, after all, the supreme master of hypocrisy. The kisanputra is being denied even a dignified farewell," Ramesh said on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wished Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar good health.
"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," PM Modi said in post on X.
Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday evening "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice".
He sent his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu."To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the constitution," Dhankhar said in his letter.
"I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency - the Hon'ble President of India for her unwavering support and the soothing, wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure," he added.
Dhankhar also expressed his deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the the Council of Ministers.
"Prime Minister's cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office," he said.
BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, who is a member of panel of vice-chairpersons, informed Rajya Sabha on Tuesday about acceptance of Dhankhar's resignation
."The Ministry of Home Affairs has, wide its notification, conveyed resignation of Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar under 67A of the Constitution with immediate effect," he said, amid din in the House.
Opposition leaders have expressed surprise over Dhankhar's decision and said there "are far deeper reasons" for his resignation. The resignation came on the first day of monsoon session of Parliament.
Government sources said that election of new Vice President will take place "as soon as possible".
The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament, in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and the voting in such election is by secret ballot.
The Electoral College to elect a person to the office of the Vice-President consists of all members of both Houses of Parliament.
An election to fill a vacancy caused by the expiry of the term of office of Vice-President is completed before the expiry of the term. In case a vacancy arises by reasons of death, resignation or removal or otherwise, the election to fill that vacancy is held as soon as possible after the occurrence. The person so elected is entitled to hold office for a full term of five years from the date he enters office.