'Political pressure was not there': Dhankhar's brother-in-law dismisses claims; cites health as reason for ex-VP's exit

NEW DELHI: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation has stirred political speculation, but his brother-in-law and advocate Praveen Balwada insists the decision was driven purely by health concerns—not political pressure, as alleged by opposition leaders.

Speaking to PTI, Balwada said Dhankhar had never bowed to external influence throughout his career. "Things like political pressure were not there. He never took pressure of any kind. I have known him since college days. I have never seen him under pressure," he said.

Balwada revealed that Dhankhar had been dealing with health issues for some time, including “a stent implant procedure in March. He has had persistent issues with low blood pressure."

“Being a workaholic and highly sincere towards his work, he must have felt that it was becoming difficult to justify both health and work together," he added, as reported by PTI.

Balwada also recalled that Dhankhar was not particularly enthusiastic when he was appointed as the Governor of Rajasthan. This time, he believes, Dhankhar “has honoured his family's wishes," reported PTI citing Balwada.

However, Dhankhar’s resignation has triggered sharp reactions from opposition leaders, who continue to raise questions about the timing and motive. Congress leader and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said the health-related explanation “doesn’t seem convincing,” suggesting Dhankhar may have been working under political pressure.

The Congress party also formally urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to persuade Dhankhar to withdraw his resignation. Party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh, who also serves as the chief whip in Rajya Sabha, described the resignation as “inexplicable,” hinting there was more to it than meets the eye.”

Ramesh claimed Dhankhar was expected to make significant announcements concerning the judiciary on Tuesday, the same day he had convened a crucial meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) to decide the week’s agenda for the Upper House.