Dhankhar’s Exit Puts Opposition in a Bind, Exposes Fault Lines in Unity

The unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has thrown the Opposition camp into turmoil, forcing political parties once again to confront the fragile nature of their unity. Just as the Opposition had begun to regroup post-elections and strategize for the upcoming legislative sessions, Dhankhar’s exit has created a power vacuum that demands immediate political positioning—something the anti-BJP bloc seems ill-prepared for.

This development has presented a classic Catch-22 situation: the Opposition must either back a consensus candidate for the Vice President’s post—risking exposure of its internal contradictions—or stay out of the fray entirely, thereby appearing disorganised and politically weak.

A Sudden Exit, a Strategic Gap

Jagdeep Dhankhar, known for his assertive role as Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, stepped down citing personal reasons. However, political analysts believe his resignation is a calculated move, potentially to take up a more active political role in the BJP-led NDA. Some speculate a gubernatorial or cabinet role, while others even hint at positioning for the 2027 presidential race.

Whatever the motivation, his departure has triggered a constitutional process that demands a new Vice President be elected within 60 days. This opens the door for a fresh round of political maneuvering, one that will severely test the Opposition’s ability to act as a unified front.

Opposition’s Strategic Dilemma

The Opposition—especially the INDIA bloc—now finds itself in a precarious position. Do they field a candidate of their own, knowing full well that their numbers in the electoral college (comprising MPs of both Houses) fall short of victory? Or do they endorse a consensus candidate backed by the ruling alliance and risk appearing toothless?

Fielding a candidate without numerical strength could backfire. It would highlight the disunity among anti-BJP parties and potentially turn into a public relations loss. On the other hand, staying out of the contest entirely could demoralise their supporters and project an image of political apathy.

Adding to the complexity is the question of who the candidate should be. Within the Opposition ranks, no name has universal appeal. The Congress may push for a seasoned party loyalist, while the Trinamool Congress, AAP, DMK, and Left may have other preferences—or may not agree to back any Congress-led initiative at all.

Fragile Unity Exposed Yet Again

The recent past has already exposed deep rifts within the INDIA bloc. Tensions between the Congress and regional parties such as the TMC, AAP, and SP have been simmering. Seat-sharing disputes during the general elections, ideological differences, and personality clashes have prevented the Opposition from functioning as a cohesive unit.

Now, the Vice President election serves as a litmus test. If the alliance cannot come together even symbolically for a constitutional post, it casts serious doubts over their ability to mount a credible challenge to the BJP in the future.

Moreover, there is no denying that the Opposition is suffering from a crisis of leadership. Rahul Gandhi, while prominent, is not universally accepted as the de facto leader of the alliance. Regional satraps like Mamata Banerjee or Arvind Kejriwal have ambitions and priorities of their own. In such a fragmented ecosystem, decisions as delicate as Vice Presidential nominations become battlegrounds for dominance rather than collaboration.

BJP’s Advantage and Strategic Play

Meanwhile, the BJP seems to be relishing the unfolding disarray. The NDA has the numbers to comfortably win the Vice Presidential election. But rather than taking a confrontational route, the BJP may float a “neutral” or “non-controversial” candidate—perhaps a prominent tribal or South Indian figure—putting the Opposition in a more difficult position. Refusing to support such a candidate may make the Opposition appear petty or out of touch with national sentiment.

Alternatively, if the BJP decides to nominate a hardliner, it could bait the Opposition into contesting—thereby exposing their internal fractures for all to see.

Either way, Dhankhar’s exit gives the BJP a valuable opportunity to reframe the Rajya Sabha leadership with someone more in sync with the government’s legislative agenda, especially with key bills pending.

Rajya Sabha Dynamics in Question

Beyond the electoral contest, the Rajya Sabha’s functioning is also in question. As Vice President, Dhankhar was a staunch defender of the government and had frequent run-ins with Opposition leaders, particularly during heated sessions involving contentious bills. His firm handling of parliamentary disruptions made him a polarising figure, both respected and criticised.

His exit raises questions about who will now preside over a volatile Upper House. With the Lok Sabha under BJP’s command and the Rajya Sabha becoming a contested space, the Vice President's role is not just ceremonial—it will be crucial in shaping the direction of parliamentary debate and legislative discipline.

A soft-spoken or bipartisan replacement might calm tensions, but it may also reduce the government’s control over procedural outcomes. Conversely, another assertive figure could further alienate the Opposition, increasing walkouts and disruptions.

Missed Opportunity or a Moment of Truth?

Some in the Opposition see this as an opportunity to project maturity. A carefully selected candidate—perhaps a respected retired judge, academic, or administrator with no party baggage—could provide moral high ground. Even if defeated, such a move could symbolise the alliance’s commitment to constitutional propriety and democratic values.

However, this requires rapid coordination, something the Opposition has repeatedly failed to achieve. If they once again fall into the trap of ego battles and ideological posturing, they may squander what could have been a symbolic win, even in electoral defeat.

Looking Ahead: Unity or Irrelevance?

The upcoming Vice Presidential election may not change the government or the balance of power in Parliament, but it will serve as a mirror reflecting the state of Opposition politics in India. Dhankhar’s exit has forced the INDIA bloc into a moment of reckoning.

Can they rise above tactical differences and present a united front? Or will this election further expose the deep cracks beneath their public gestures of unity?

Either way, time is ticking. The Election Commission will soon announce the schedule, and the window for consensus-building is rapidly closing.

If the Opposition cannot act decisively and strategically now, the narrative of a fragmented, ineffective alliance will only deepen—handing the BJP yet another moral and political victory without it even having to campaign.