From Parliament to Pastures: Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Unusual Transition Sparks Speculation

In a move that has stirred both curiosity and commentary across Delhi’s political circles, former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has vacated his official residence and relocated to a private farmhouse in South Delhi’s Chhatarpur area. This interim shift comes six weeks after his unexpected resignation from the Vice Presidency on July 21, citing health reasons. While the government prepares his official bungalow, Dhankhar’s decision to settle temporarily in a property owned by INLD leader Abhay Chautala has added layers of intrigue to an already unusual transition.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the development and its wider implications.

Key developments and context

- Dhankhar resigned from the Vice Presidency on the first day of the Monsoon Session, cutting short a term that was originally set to end in August 2027  
- He had been residing at the newly constructed Vice President’s Enclave near Parliament House, part of the Central Vista redevelopment  
- His successor is set to be elected on September 9, with NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan and opposition nominee B Sudershan Reddy in the fray  

Temporary residence and its significance

1. Location and ownership  
   - The farmhouse is located in the Gadaipur area of Chhatarpur, a leafy suburb in South Delhi  
   - It belongs to Abhay Chautala, a senior leader of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and a prominent figure in Haryana’s Jat community  
   - Dhankhar, who also hails from the Jat community in Rajasthan, reportedly accepted Chautala’s offer citing security and privacy considerations  

2. Symbolism and optics  
   - The move breaks with tradition, as former Vice Presidents are typically allotted a Type-VIII bungalow or a two-acre plot  
   - No formal requisition for government housing had been submitted by Dhankhar’s office at the time of his relocation  
   - Observers suggest the gesture reflects political camaraderie and community solidarity, adding a sociopolitical undertone to what might otherwise be seen as a procedural delay  

Awaiting government accommodation

- Dhankhar has been allotted a bungalow at 34 APJ Abdul Kalam Road, but it requires extensive renovation  
- The Central Public Works Department estimates a three-month timeline for repairs and furnishing  
- In the meantime, Dhankhar’s stay at Chautala’s farmhouse is expected to continue, with his security team already stationed at the premises  

Public absence and speculation

- Since his resignation, Dhankhar has remained largely out of the public eye, prompting speculation from opposition leaders  
- Sources close to him say he is spending time with family, practising yoga, and playing table tennis  
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah has dismissed rumors of house arrest or political pressure, reiterating that Dhankhar stepped down purely for health reasons  
- Nonetheless, Congress leaders have questioned the silence and lack of public engagement from a previously vocal and active Vice President  

Pension entitlements and procedural updates

- Dhankhar has applied for pension as a former MLA from Rajasthan, where he served from 1993 to 1998  
- He is entitled to three pensions: as a former Vice President, Member of Parliament, and Rajasthan legislator  
- His MLA pension is estimated at Rs 42,000 per month, factoring in age-related increments  

Looking ahead

- The upcoming Vice Presidential election on September 9 will formally conclude Dhankhar’s tenure  
- His transition from the Vice President’s Enclave to a private farmhouse underscores the evolving norms around post-office accommodation  
- Whether this move signals a broader political realignment or remains a personal choice will depend on future developments and Dhankhar’s public re-emergence  

Sources: Livemint, The Statesman, News18, NDTV, India Today, Hindustan Times

 

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