Sena (UBT) questions Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, asks him to speak openly

The Shiv Sena UBT on Thursday raised fresh questions over the abrupt resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar saying recent remarks by him contradict the official explanation offered at the time of his exit The party said that Dhankharrsquos reappearance in public life and his latest statements have intensified speculation about the circumstances surrounding his resignation reported news agency IANSIn an editorial published in its party mouthpiece Saamana the Uddhav Thackerayled faction argued that the episode reflected a broader trend of undermining constitutional institutions and senior constitutional posts in the countrySaamana editorial questions official reason for resignationThe editorial referred to Dhankharrsquos recent speech in Churu in Rajasthan where he reportedly stated that he had not resigned due to health reasons contradicting the narrative earlier presented by the government The remarks came after Dhankhar had largely remained out of the public spotlight since stepping down from office last year reported IANSAccording to the editorial Dhankhar appeared to be in good health during the event and directly rejected the claim that medical reasons prompted his resignationQuoting Dhankhar the editorial stated A healthy body is the first source of happiness I have never neglected my health While resigning I never said that I was ill reported IANSThe party suggested that this statement raises serious questions about the real circumstances behind his resignation and whether the official explanation was accurateAllegations of pressure and political disagreementsThe editorial further speculated that Dhankharrsquos resignation may have occurred under pressure It alleged that the former Vice Presidentrsquos private interactions with opposition leaders might have triggered political tensions within the ruling establishmentAccording to the article reports of ldquoexplosive exchangesrdquo from those meetings allegedly reached Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah The editorial claimed that following these developments a decision was taken that Dhankhar needed ldquoimmediate restrdquo implying that the health explanation may have been used as a justification for his departure reported IANSThe publication also criticised what it described as a pattern of appointing individuals to high constitutional positions who are expected to remain compliantClaims of double standards in political accountabilityThe editorial argued that several ministers continue to hold office despite health concerns or controversies while Dhankhar was removed suddenly It suggested that this reflects double standards in how accountability is applied within the government reported IANSThe article also referenced court rulings and ongoing controversies alleging that key institutions were under pressure and that political considerations were influencing decisions regarding leadership positionsAmong other references the editorial mentioned the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation claiming such developments indicate institutional strainSaamana urges Dhankhar to clarify events behind resignationThe Shiv Sena UBT editorial concluded by saying that Dhankharrsquos return to public appearances was a positive development but added that the country deserves a fuller explanation of what transpired at the time of his resignation reported IANSIt urged the former Vice President to provide details about his health during the months following his resignation and to shed light on events that occurred behind the scenes on July 25 last year when he stepped downAccording to the editorial Dhankhar should explain what happened in Parliament and within his office on the day he resigned suggesting that the truth about the episode may still be unknown to the publicWith inputs from IANS