Why Jagdeep Dhankhar Felt Sidestepped As India’s Vice-President
Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed feeling sidelined during his tenure, citing protocol lapses, limited foreign trips, and a diminished role in India’s diplomatic and constitutional affairs.
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NEW DELHI: Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has subtly yet pointedly raised concerns about his perceived sidelining during his nearly three-year tenuremarked by just four foreign visits, protocol lapsesand a diminished diplomatic rolewhich led him to feel that the dignity of the Vice-President’s office was undermined.
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s overseas engagements simply contrasted with those of his predecessors. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), he undertook only four bilateral foreign visits during his tenure, travelling to Cambodia and Qatar in November 2022, followed by a visit to the United Kingdom in May 2023, and finally to Iran in May 2024.
In comparison, Venakaiah Nidu undertook 13 foreign tours, while Hamid Ansari made 28 visits during his 10-year tenure. The limited number of trips, especially in the latter part of Dhankhar’s tenure, reportedly left the Vice-President’s office dissatisfied. Though two visits were proposed in 2024, they were shelved due to health concerns.
Mr. Dhankhar privately expressed dissatisfaction over alleged protocol breaches and what he perceived as disrespect to his constitutional office. A few key incidents highlight this:
- Tehran Visit: During his visit to Iran for President Ebrahim Raisi’s funeral, Dhankhar was reportedly displeased with the lack of adequate arrangements, as Tehran struggled to host over 40 global dignitaries.
- U.S. Vice-President’s Visit: In April 2024, Dhankhar was notably absent from the official banquet held during U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance’s visit to India. Sources suggest his office was not informed of the schedule, an omission that raised eyebrows.
Dhankhar even shared his grievances with Opposition leaders in private conversations, citing that foreign dignitaries were no longer visiting the Vice-President’s office as often as in the past.
At an event on May 19, referencing a protocol misstep involving Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, Dhankhar said,
“I too am a sufferer”.
He regretted the absence of his photograph in government offices alongside those of the President and Prime Minister, something he vowed to correct for future occupants of the post.
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