Jagdeep Dhankhar (Hindi pronunciation: [d͡ʒəgˈd̪iːp d̪ʱən.kʰəɽ]; born 18 May 1951) is an Indian politician and lawyer serving as the 14th and current vice president of India since 2022. He previously served as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022. He also served as a Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the Chandra Shekhar ministry from 1990 to 1991, and served as a member of Lok Sabha from 1989 to 1991. Between 1993 and 1998, he was a Member of Rajasthan's Legislative Assembly. He has been affiliated with multiple political parties in India, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress and Janata Dal.
Jagdeep Dhankhar | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait | |
| 14th Vice President of India | |
| Assumed office 11 August 2022 | |
| President | Droupadi Murmu |
| Prime Minister | Narendra Modi |
| Preceded by | M. Venkaiah Naidu |
| 21st Governor of West Bengal | |
| In office 30 July 2019[1] – 18 July 2022[2] | |
| Chief Minister | Mamata Banerjee |
| Preceded by | Keshari Nath Tripathi |
| Succeeded by | La. Ganesan (additional charge) |
| Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs | |
| In office 21 November 1990 – 21 June 1991 | |
| President | R. Venkataraman |
| Prime Minister | Chandra Shekhar |
| Minister | Satya Prakash Malaviya |
| Succeeded by | R. K. Kumar |
| Member of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 4 December 1993 – 29 November 1998 | |
| Governor | |
| Speaker | |
| Preceded by | Jagjeet Singh |
| Succeeded by | Nathu Ram |
| Constituency | Kishangarh[3] |
| Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | |
| In office 2 December 1989 – 21 June 1991 | |
| President | R. Venkataraman |
| Speaker | Rabi Ray |
| Preceded by | Mohammed Ayub Khan |
| Succeeded by | Mohammed Ayub Khan |
| Constituency | Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 May 1951 Kithana, Rajasthan, India |
| Political party | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| Other political affiliations | Indian National Congress (1991–2003) Janata Dal (until 1991) |
| Spouse | |
| Residence | Vice President's Enclave, New Delhi |
| Alma mater | University of Rajasthan (BA, LLB) |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Website | Official Website |
Early life and education
editDhankhar was born on 18 May 1951 in Kithana, a village in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, India, into a Hindu Rajasthani Jat family to Gokal Chand and Kesari Devi.[4][5] He completed his school education from Sainik School, Chittorgarh. Dhankhar completed his primary and middle school education from Kithana Government School and Ghardhana Government School respectively. He obtained his B.Sc and LLB from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.[6][7]
Dhankhar married Sudesh Dhankhar in 1979, and they have a daughter, Kamna[8] who is married to Kartikeya Vajpayee son of late Shri Vijay Shankar Vajpayee, and Smt. Abha Vajpayee.[9][10][11]
Law career
editDhankhar enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Rajasthan in 1979. He was designated a Senior Advocate by the High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan in 1990 and remained the senior-most designated Senior Advocate in the state until taking the oath as Governor on 30 July 2019.[12]
Since 1990, Dhankhar has practised primarily in constitutional law in the Supreme Court of India. He has appeared in the various high courts of India[13] and has also served a stint as the president of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association.[14]
In 2016, Dhankhar appeared in the Sutlej River water dispute, representing the state of Haryana in the Supreme Court of India.[15]
Political career
editHe has previously been a member of the Janata Dal and the Indian National Congress.[16] He represented the Jhunjhunu Lok Sabha constituency in Rajasthan as a member of the Janata Dal during the 9th Lok Sabha from 1989 to 1991.
He joined the Indian National Congress in 1991 and contested the 1991 Indian general election from the Ajmer Lok Sabha constituency, but lost.[17] He was later elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Kishangarh, Rajasthan, serving from 1993 to 1998 in the 10th Legislative Assembly of Rajasthan.[18]
He contested the 1998 Indian general election from the Jhunjhunu Lok Sabha constituency, where he finished in third place.[17]
He joined the BJP in 2003[16] and was a member of the party's campaign committee for the 2008 assembly elections. In 2016, he headed the BJP's law and legal affairs department.[17]
Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022)
edit
On 20 July 2019, the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, under the directions of the second Modi ministry, appointed him the Governor of West Bengal.[19] He was administered the oath of office on 30 July 2019 at the Raj Bhavan, Kolkata[20]
After becoming the Governor of West Bengal, Dhankhar had several public confrontations with the state government and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.[21][16] He was a vocal critic of the third Banerjee ministry,[22][23] and frequently resorted to Twitter and media to express his views on political issues. In response, the Trinamool Congress dubbed Dhankhar the "real leader of the opposition". In January 2022, CM Banerjee blocked Dhankhar on Twitter, accusing him of mentioning her daily in his tweets and engaging in unethical and abusive behaviour.[17]
On 13 July 2022, Dhankar met with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, and the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sharma.[24] Dhankar subsequently visited Delhi on 15 July 2022, and met the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.[25] He resigned as Governor on 17 July 2022, after being nominated as the vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Alliance.[26]
Vice Presidency (2022–present)
edit2022 vice-presidential election
edit
On 16 July 2022, the BJP nominated Dhankhar as the National Democratic Alliance's candidate for Vice President of India for the 2022 election the following month.[27] Dhankhar was projected as a kisan putra (farmer's son) by the BJP.[5] He contested against the United Opposition's candidate, Margaret Alva, a former Union Minister and Governor from the Indian National Congress. On 18 July 2022, Dhankhar filed his nomination papers for the vice-president elections. He was accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other union ministers and BJP politicians.[28]
He contested against the United Opposition's candidate, Margaret Alva. The elections were conducted on 6 August 2022 and, on the same evening, the votes were counted. Dhankhar emerged victorious by securing 528 votes out of 710 valid votes over opposition candidate Margaret Alva's 182. Trinamool Congress abstained from the election with only two members voting.[29]
Dhankhar won the 2022 election with 74.37% votes and recorded a highest poll-victory margin since the 1992 election.[27][30]
Tenure
editDhankar assumed the office on 11 August 2022 succeeding Venkaiah Naidu, with the oath administered by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in the central banquet hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.[31]
No-confidence Motion
editOn December 10, 2024, the opposition INDIA bloc submitted a notice to move a motion of no confidence against Dhankar.[32] They accused him of indulging in partisanship, alleging that he prevented opposition members from raising issues while allowing BJP members to table issues of their choice.[33]
Electoral performance
edit| Candidate |
Party (Coalition) | Electoral Votes |
% of Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jagdeep Dhankhar | BJP (NDA) | 528 | 74.37 | |
| Margaret Alva | INC (UO) | 182 | 25.63 | |
| Total | 710 | 100 | ||
| Valid Votes | 710 | |||
| Invalid Votes | 15 | |||
| Turnout | 725 | 92.95% | ||
| Abstentions | 55 | 7.05% | ||
| Electors | 780 | |||
Administration of Oath and Assumption of Office
editThe President of India, Droupadi Murmu, administered the oath of Office of Vice-president of India to Jagdeep Dhankhar on 11.08.2022.
Foreign Tours Undertaken by Dhankar
editJagdeep Dhankhar's first official foreign visit[34] as vice-president was to Cambodia in November 2022. He represented India at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia and celebrating the 30th anniversary of India-ASEAN relations during the India-ASEAN Friendship Year.
The vice-president visited the heritage sites of Ta Prohm Temple and Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap and examined the restoration and conservation work at these cultural heritage sites, carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India. He inaugurated the Hall of Dancers at the Ta Prohm Temple.
At the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Dhankhar visited Qatar on 20-21 November 2022.[35]
United Kingdom (May 2023)
editDhankhar visited London on 05-06 May 2023[36] to attend the Coronation ceremony of H.M. King Charles III on behalf of the Government of India. Dhankhar's presence marked the second time that an Indian leader attended the coronation event in the UK, after a gap of nearly seven decades. Last time, former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru represented India when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned.
Ahead of the coronation, Vice-president Dhankhar and his wife, Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar met King Charles III, the United States First Lady Jill Biden, President of Israel- Isaac Herzog, President of Italy- Sergio Mattarella, President of Brazil- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and other world leaders during a reception hosted by King Charles III at the Buckingham Palace.
On 22 May 2024, Vice-president Dhankhar visited the Islamic Republic of Iran[37] to attend the official ceremony to pay condolences on the demise of President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on 19 May 2024.[38]
Other Engagements
editKeynote Speaker at Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue
editJagdeep Dhankhar delivered the keynote address at the 2023 edition[39] of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) organised by National Maritime Foundation (NMF) in New Delhi. While delivering the keynote address, he supported a free and peaceful rule-based Indo-Pacific region marked by collaborative security and innovative partnerships. He called for a just and effective global regulatory regime that respects the right over EEZ, for the sustainable and equitable exploitation of marine resources and sea-bed in high seas. In his address he also underlined “You cannot negotiate peace from a position of weakness; you have to be strong on all fundamentals.”[40]
Launch of INS Mahendragiri, Mumbai
editOn 1 September 2023, Dhankhar chistened the frigate Mahendragiri before it sailed into the waters of the Arabian Sea.[41]
Inauguration of International Maritime Seminar- MILAN 2024, Visakhapatnam
editDhankhar presided over the inauguration of International Maritime Seminar- MILAN 2024 in Visakhapatnam.[42] In his address he cautioned that unilateral actions & disregard for international law can jeopardise the security & stability of the entire region. Referring to the recent challenges to the global rule based order and supply chain disruptions, Vice-president stated that India believes in respecting the boundaries and fostering a rules based maritime order and opined that India's maritime strength will be critical to the aim of Viksit Bharat @2047. “We believe that scrupulous adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is imperative, essential and the only way for the peaceful coexistence and sustainable use of maritime resources.”[43] he further added in his address.
Promotion of Indian Culture
editDhankhar has highlighted the importance of Yoga, describing it as a significant contribution of India to the world.[44] In 2023, he led the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. of Yoga celebrations at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh in 2023.[45]
Referring to India's civilizational history and cultural heritage, Dhankhar underlined that many tourist destinations in the country have a deep connection with Indian history, folk arts and ancient texts. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Dhankhar described India as a “heaven for tourism”[46] and asked Indians to explore domestic tourist destinations first before looking at international travel.
Dhankhar inaugurated the 23rd edition of Hornbill Festival at Kohima.[47] Praising Nagas for their unique culture and glorious history, Dhankhar said, "I salute tribal culture. I salute tribal energy…. India is a land of culture & Indians are proud of their tribal culture".[48]
At the inauguration of the 36th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Faridabad, he urged everyone to consider locally produced handicraft items when looking for gifts to their friends and relatives.[49]
Dhankhar has advocated for increasing the use of Sanskrit in daily life. Addressing the third convocation of the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati, Dhankhar discussed Sanskrit as a vital part of cultural heritage, describing it as a "cultural anchor" for human civilization. He called for efforts to increase Sanskrit's usage in daily life and emphasised its role in preserving India's cultural heritage.[50]
Dhankhar has also expressed his desire for a balanced approach between the ancient medicinal practices of Ayurveda and Siddha and modern medical sciences.[51]
Chancellor of Universities
editAs the Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar is the ex-officio Chancellor of Panjab University, University of Delhi, Pondicherry University and Visitor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal.[52]
Chairman, Rajya Sabha
editKey Initiatives as Chairman of Rajya Sabha
editGender Equality in Panel of Vice-Chairpersons
editHe reconstituted the panel of Vice-Chairpersons in the 260th session to include 17 women members of the Rajya Sabha when the Rajya Sabha discussed the Nari Shakti Vandan Vidheyak Bill, 2023.[53] This move was a significant step towards ensuring better representation of women in parliamentary proceedings. The women members nominated to the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons included:[54]
Transition from the Old Parliament House
editJagdeep Dhankhar addressed the joint session of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the Central Hall of Parliament on September 19, 2023, marking the end of the Indian Parliament's use of the historic building.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Jagdeep Dhankhar takes oath as West Bengal Governor". Outlook. 30 July 2019. Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- ^ "Dhankhar resigns as Bengal guv after VP nomination, Manipur's La Ganesan gets additional charge". Hindustan Times. 17 July 2022. Archived from the original on 17 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Kishangarh Assembly Election MLA Political Data". entranceindia.com. 6 October 2018. Archived from the original on 17 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "राजस्थान जाट महासभा कार्यक्रम में उपराष्ट्रपति उम्मीदवार Jagdeep Dhankar". YouTube (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 30 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
Self-identification between 2:56 and 3:02
- ^ a b "Bengal Governor Dhankhar set to be new Vice-President, BJP hails 'kisan putra'". IndianExpress. 17 July 2022. Archived from the original on 16 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Jagdeep Dhankhar". Facebook. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
- ^ "Jagdeep Dhankhar: NDA's VP candidate is a Jat leader, coffee lover and Mamata-critic". The Tribune. 16 July 2022. Archived from the original on 17 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "पांच किमी पैदल चल कर पढ़ने जाते थे पश्चिम बंगाल के राज्यपाल जगदीप धनकड़, सैनिक स्कूल में की है पढ़ाई". Jansatta (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 14 August 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar sworn in as the 14th Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha". Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
- ^ "पांच किमी पैदल चल कर पढ़ने जाते थे पश्चिम बंगाल के राज्यपाल जगदीप धनकड़, सैनिक स्कूल में की है पढ़ाई". Jansatta (in Hindi). 11 December 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "All about Jagdeep Dhankar - likely next Vice-President Of India". Zee News. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ Saluja, Pallavi (12 August 2020). "Governor can become a "convenient punching bag" in the crossfire between political parties: Jagdeep Dhankhar, Governor of West Bengal". Bar and Bench. Archived from the original on 14 August 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Our Governor: Raj Bhavan, West Bengal, India". rajbhavankolkata.nic.in. Archived from the original on 17 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Who is Jagdeep Dhankhar, NDA's vice presidential candidate?". Firstpost. 16 July 2022. Archived from the original on 17 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Vice president candidate Jagdeep Dhankhar allotted chamber in SC on twin-sharing basis | EXCLUSIVE". Archived from the original on 20 July 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
- ^ a b c "This one for farmers: The Hindu Editorial on NDA's nomination of Jagdeep Dhankhar for Vice-President". The Hindu. 17 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Jagdeep Dhankhar: India's Most Talked About Governor Is NDA's Vice-Presidential Candidate". The Wire. 17 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
- ^ "Our Governor: Raj Bhavan, West Bengal, India". Raj Bhavan, West Bengal, India. Archived from the original on 15 May 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
- ^ "Centre appoints four new Governors, Jagdeep Dhankar now in-charge of West Bengal". The Hindu. 20 July 2019. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 20 July 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "Jagdeep Dhankar takes oath as West Bengal governor". The Times of India. 30 July 2019. Archived from the original on 31 July 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ Law, Abishek (23 October 2019). "Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar's tenure marked by war of words with TMC". www.thehindubusinessline.com. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "Bengal witnessed worst post-poll violence since Independence: Dhankhar". 15 June 2021. Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
- ^ "Situation due to post-poll violence in Bengal alarming, worrisome: Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
- ^ "Mamata Banerjee Meets Himanta Sarma, Jagdeep Dhankhar In Darjeeling". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "Jagdeep Dhankhar meets Amit Shah in Delhi". Firstpost. 15 July 2022. Archived from the original on 22 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "Dhankhar resigns as Bengal guv after VP nomination, Manipur's La Ganesan gets additional charge". Hindustan Times. 17 July 2022. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ a b "Jagdeep Dhankhar, West Bengal Governor, is NDA's Vice President candidate". The Indian Express. 16 July 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
- ^ "Jagdeep Dhankhar Files Papers For Vice-President Polls; PM Modi By His Side". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "Jagdeep Dhankhar Is New Vice President, Defeats Margaret Alva: 10 Points". NDTV.com. 6 August 2022. Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ "With nearly 73% votes, Jagdeep Dhankhar's Vice-Presidential poll-victory margin highest since 1997". India Today. 7 August 2022. Archived from the original on 7 August 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ "Vice-Presidential Poll Live Updates: NDA candidate Jagdeep Dhankhar wins V-P election with 528 votes". The Indian Express. 6 August 2022. Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ "Jagdeep Dhankhar: A Rajya Sabha Chairman at daggers drawn with Opposition". The Indian Express. 10 December 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
- ^ "Oppn considering submitting notice for moving resolution to remove Jagdeep Dhankhar as vice president: Sources". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
- ^ "Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar arrives in Cambodia on his maiden three-day foreign tour | Vice President of India | Government of India". vicepresidentofindia.nic.in. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ ANI (21 November 2022). "FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 | Indian Vice-President Dhankar meets FIFA, world leaders". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ "Foreign Visits | Vice President of India | Government of India". vicepresidentofindia.nic.in. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Bhattacherjee, Kallol (21 May 2024). "Vice-President to represent India at Raisi's condolence ceremony in Iran". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ "Iran helicopter crash: What we know about how Ebrahim Raisi died". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ "You cannot enforce peace from position of weakness: VP Dhankhar at Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ "You cannot enforce peace from position of weakness: Dhankhar". The Economic Times. 15 November 2023. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ "01.09.2023: Mahendragiri was dedicated to the nation by Vice President of India | Raj Bhavan Maharashtra | India". Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ "Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to attend International Maritime Seminar of 'MILAN-2024'". ANI News. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ "Unilateral actions and disregard for international law can jeopardize the security and stability of the entire region: Vice President". The Times of India. 22 February 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ "VP Jagdeep Dhankar hails Centre, PM Modi for global recognition of Ayurveda". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ Sansad TV (20 June 2023). Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addresses 9th International Yoga Day celebration | 21 June 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2024 – via YouTube.[1]
- ^ Sansad TV (27 September 2024). Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's Address | World Tourism Day event at Vigyan Bhawan | 27 Sep 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Nagaland: Vice President Dhankhar inaugurates Hornbill Festival in Kohima". ANI News. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ PTI (1 December 2022). "VP Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurates 23rd Hornbill Festival". Nagaland Tribune. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ "36th Surajkund Mela inaugurated | India has never believed in expansionism: Dhankhar". The Indian Express. 4 February 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ Sansad TV (26 April 2024). Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the 3rd Convocation of the National Sanskrit University, Tirupati. Retrieved 22 November 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Our culture is our spine, says Vice-President | Vice President of India | Government of India". vicepresidentofindia.nic.in. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
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- ^ Chakrabarty, Sandeep Phukan & Sreeparna (19 September 2023). "Women's Reservation Bill 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' introduced by the Indian Government in Lok Sabha". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
- ^ Raj, Neha (21 September 2023). "Historic Moment in Rajya Sabha as 13 Women Chair Nari Shakti Vandan Vidheyak Debate". PUNE.NEWS. Retrieved 25 November 2024.