 |
|
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s tenure as the Governor of West Bengal and subsequently as the Vice President of India has been marked by a distinct departure from the conventional understanding of these constitutional positions. He entered the political landscape of West Bengal in 2019, and it quickly became apparent that he was not going to be a mere figurehead. His approach was defined by a relentless pursuit of what he perceived as constitutional propriety, leading to frequent clashes with the state government led by Mamata Banerjee. This assertive stance transformed the role of the Governor from a largely ceremonial one into a platform for active political engagement and confrontation. Dhankhar's background as a lawyer played a crucial role in shaping his approach. He consistently framed his actions and statements within a legal and constitutional framework, making it difficult for his critics to challenge him on legal grounds. He viewed himself as a guardian of the Constitution, and he was willing to challenge the state government on issues ranging from law and order to alleged corruption. His tenure was characterized by frequent communication with the state government, often in the form of missives addressing various concerns. He also made extensive use of social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to voice his opinions and criticisms of the state government's policies. This active engagement with the public sphere further amplified his influence and made him a prominent figure in the political landscape of West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), the ruling party in West Bengal, viewed Dhankhar's actions with increasing hostility. They accused him of acting as a proxy for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party at the Centre, and of using his position to undermine the state government. These accusations reflected the deep political divide between the TMC and the BJP, and Dhankhar's actions became entangled in this larger political struggle. Despite the criticism and opposition he faced, Dhankhar remained steadfast in his pursuit of what he believed to be the correct course of action. He was often described as being 'unstoppable' in his determination to hold the state government accountable. His actions challenged the conventional understanding of the role of the Governor and raised important questions about the relationship between the Governor and the state government in India's federal system.
Dhankhar's ideological alignment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) further fueled the controversy surrounding his tenure. He openly praised the RSS, describing it as the “most nationalistic institution in the world.” This association drew criticism from opposition parties, who accused him of violating the impartiality expected of a constitutional officeholder. His statements regarding the RSS became a focal point of political debate, with some arguing that they compromised his ability to act as an impartial arbiter in political matters. The opposition even moved a resolution in the Rajya Sabha in 2024, alleging a breach of constitutional propriety. They claimed that he had overstepped the boundaries expected of his office and had aligned himself too closely with the RSS ideology. Despite these criticisms, Dhankhar maintained that his association with the RSS was a matter of personal belief and did not affect his ability to perform his duties impartially. He argued that his actions were always guided by his commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law. He cultivated relationships with key figures in the RSS, including Mohan Bhagwat and Dattatreya Hosabale, and he made no secret of his admiration for the organization's ideology. His supporters within the BJP and the RSS viewed him as a necessary corrective force, someone who could challenge the status quo and hold those in power accountable. They saw his legal acumen and his understanding of power as valuable assets in the political arena. They believed that his actions were motivated by a genuine desire to uphold the Constitution and to protect the interests of the nation.
Dhankhar's political career has been characterized by a series of reinventions. He began his political journey as a Janata Dal MP, later served as a minister in the Chandra Shekhar government, and subsequently joined the Congress party before finally aligning with the BJP in 2003. This trajectory reflects his adaptability and his willingness to embrace new political opportunities. His colleagues describe him as erudite, persuasive, and ambitious. This ambition has been a driving force throughout his career, and it has also been a source of criticism from his detractors. In West Bengal, his political opponents often accused him of using his position as Governor as a stepping stone to higher office. They claimed that his frequent clashes with Mamata Banerjee and his vocal criticism of the state government were part of a calculated strategy to enhance his national profile. They saw his actions as a prolonged audition for a more prominent role in national politics. Despite these criticisms, Dhankhar's political acumen and his ability to navigate complex political situations were undeniable. He consistently demonstrated a knack for identifying and seizing opportunities, and he was able to effectively communicate his message to the public. His tenure as Governor of West Bengal and subsequently as Vice President of India solidified his position as a significant figure in Indian politics.
His actions as Vice President also generated considerable debate. He continued to challenge established norms and to assert his authority in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament. His interventions in parliamentary proceedings were often seen as assertive and unconventional, and they sparked controversy among opposition members. He maintained that he was acting in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Rajya Sabha, but his critics argued that he was exceeding his authority and undermining the independence of the legislature. His tenure as Vice President highlighted the complex relationship between the executive and the legislature in India's parliamentary system. It raised questions about the role of the Vice President as the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha and the extent to which the Vice President can exercise his or her discretion in parliamentary proceedings. Dhankhar's actions challenged the traditional understanding of the Vice President's role and prompted a broader debate about the balance of power between the different branches of government.
Despite facing controversies, allegations of nepotism, and criticism for his perceived ideological biases, Dhankhar's political trajectory remained upward. The BJP ultimately chose him as their Vice-Presidential candidate in 2022, recognizing his potential to represent their political interests effectively. His background as a Jat leader from Rajasthan and his consistent opposition to Mamata Banerjee made him a strategic choice for the party. Dhankhar's departure from the Vice President's office leaves a lasting impact on the political landscape of India. His tenure reshaped the dynamics between the central government and the states, redefined the relationship between the executive and the judiciary, and influenced the interactions between the upper house of Parliament and the opposition parties. He exposed the ambiguities within the constitutional framework, demonstrating how a Governor's or Vice President's discretion could be wielded as a powerful political instrument. He transformed procedural defiance into a public spectacle and elevated constitutional commentary to prime-time entertainment, marking a significant shift in the way political discourse is conducted in India. Dhankhar's legacy will undoubtedly be debated and analyzed for years to come, but his impact on Indian politics is undeniable. He will be remembered as a figure who challenged conventional norms, pushed the boundaries of constitutional propriety, and left a lasting mark on the political landscape of the country.
Source: Jagdeep Dhankhar, The Governor Who Refused To Be 'Rubber Stamp', The VP Who Shook Power Corridors