From Advocate to Vice President: The Unpredictable Path of Jagdeep Dhankhar

Jagdeep Dhankhar's rise in Indian politics is anything but conventional. From humble beginnings in Rajasthan to his current role as the Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar has left a mark at every step—often through turbulence, controversy, and confrontation. His career, marked by shifting political allegiances, fierce institutional clashes, and fiery debates, reveals a man who refuses to play a passive role in public life.

This is a journey of a man who began as a lawyer, moved swiftly through various political camps, waged bitter battles as a Governor, and now presides over India’s Upper House with the same combative spirit.

Early Days: A Legal Mind With Political Ambitions

Born in a small village in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Jagdeep Dhankhar started his professional life in the legal field. His sharp mind and eloquence earned him a reputation as a formidable lawyer, eventually taking on high-profile constitutional and civil cases. His legal acumen became the launchpad for his political journey, and he made his debut in the Lok Sabha in 1989, representing the Janata Dal.

But his political journey was far from static. In the following years, Dhankhar would shift between parties, from the Janata Dal to the Indian National Congress, and later to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These shifts often sparked criticism, with opponents accusing him of opportunism, while supporters framed it as ideological evolution.

The Political Nomad: Shifting Allegiances and Quiet Comebacks

One of the defining features of Dhankhar’s career is his frequent re-entry into political relevance after periods of dormancy. After his initial stint in Parliament, Dhankhar went off the radar for a while, only to resurface in 1990s Rajasthan politics. He served as a Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs under Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and later held organizational roles within various parties.

Despite a patchy electoral record and long absences from the national spotlight, Dhankhar maintained his network and influence. His switch to the BJP was seen as a strategic move that aligned with the changing political winds of the early 2000s. However, he never fully integrated into the party's core leadership, often remaining a wildcard figure.

Governor of West Bengal: The Raj Bhavan Battlefield

Dhankhar's appointment as Governor of West Bengal in July 2019 marked a turning point—and arguably the most controversial phase—of his career. Traditionally a ceremonial post, the Raj Bhavan became an epicenter of political confrontation during his tenure. His frequent clashes with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government made headlines across the nation.

From questioning administrative decisions to publicly criticizing the state government, Dhankhar took an unusually active—and often aggressive—role as Governor. He tweeted relentlessly, summoned state officials, and even commented on internal law and order issues. Critics accused him of overstepping constitutional limits and behaving like a political operative rather than a neutral constitutional head.

Supporters, however, saw him as a watchdog who dared to speak truth to power. He portrayed himself as a defender of constitutional values and transparency, though the shrillness of the confrontations often undermined the dignity traditionally associated with the post of Governor.

Rajya Sabha: From Presiding Officer to Political Actor

In 2022, the BJP-led NDA nominated Dhankhar as its candidate for Vice President. His elevation surprised many, considering the controversies that surrounded him as Governor. But his legal background, political adaptability, and loyalty to the ruling dispensation made him a valuable asset.

Once elected, Dhankhar took over as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Here too, his assertive style continued. Unlike many of his predecessors who played the role of neutral moderators, Dhankhar often found himself in the middle of heated exchanges—particularly during debates on constitutional issues and judiciary-executive relations.

He drew attention by repeatedly commenting on the doctrine of “basic structure” of the Constitution, a legal principle laid down by the Supreme Court to limit Parliament's power to amend the Constitution. His criticism of judicial overreach stirred intense debates, with many accusing him of undermining the independence of the judiciary. Others argued that he was echoing a long-standing concern about the judiciary's expanding role in policymaking.

Tussles and Tensions: A Chair That Doesn’t Just Moderate

Unlike his more understated predecessors, Dhankhar’s approach in the Rajya Sabha has been confrontational. He has taken strong positions on issues, openly challenged opposition leaders, and occasionally pushed back against procedural criticisms. This has made him a polarizing figure within the parliamentary ecosystem.

His critics accuse him of lacking the neutrality expected of the Vice President and see his conduct as being overtly aligned with the ruling party. Opposition members have frequently staged walkouts or expressed dissent at the way debates and bills are managed in the Upper House. The criticism intensified during discussions on key bills like the criminal law reforms and the controversial farm bills, where opposition leaders claimed they were not allowed sufficient time or space for discussion.

A Polarizing Public Persona

Dhankhar has carefully crafted a public persona of a constitutionalist who isn’t afraid to call out perceived violations. He frequently references constitutional provisions in his speeches and often quotes past judgments or parliamentary precedents. Yet, his critics argue that these invocations are selectively used to justify confrontational conduct.

He remains deeply popular within sections of the BJP cadre, who view him as an articulate and ideologically dependable figure willing to take on political opponents head-on. However, in the broader national discourse, his image remains mixed—admired for his intellect and energy but critiqued for his political partisanship.

Legacy in the Making: A Man of Conflict or Constitutionalist Crusader?

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s journey is far from over, but it already offers a rich case study in the evolving nature of Indian constitutional roles. In an age where political neutrality is being redefined, Dhankhar’s tenure could be seen either as a necessary assertion of executive strength or as a breach of institutional decorum.

Whether his legacy will be remembered as a disruptor of conventions or as a defender of democratic accountability depends on the lens through which history views him. What remains certain is that he has altered the expectations from roles like Governor and Vice President—bringing both power and personality into positions often known for discretion and diplomacy.

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s turbulent innings reflects the changing face of Indian politics—where the boundaries between constitutional roles and political allegiance are becoming increasingly blurred. From courtroom arguments to parliamentary storms, from Raj Bhavan duels to Rajya Sabha declarations, Dhankhar has ensured that his presence is felt, loud and clear. Whether one agrees with his methods or not, few can deny that he has redefined the positions he has occupied, leaving behind a legacy that will be debated for years to come.