'He would exchange explosive ideas with Opposition': Shiv Sena (UBT) claims ex-VP Jagdeep Dhankar was forced to resign

The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday claimed that former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar, who resigned citing health reasons last year, was forced to step down after the BJP-led government found that he was exchanging “explosive” ideas with opposition leaders.

The party, in an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana, claimed would often give sermons praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP as the chairman of Rajya Sabha and thought it would keep his constitutional post.

However, the editorial said the government “issued orders and Dhankhar had to permanently sit at home”.

Further, the party claimed that Dhankar was in good health on the day of his resignation, adding that he never said he would be quitting because he was unwell.

“The former vice-president has brought the truth before people. But he should shed light on what transpired behind the scenes in his Parliament office,” the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT) said.

“Dhankar had established a good relationship with political parties opposed to the government, and he would exchange explosive ideas in his private meetings with them," it added.

The editorial said the government got the information about these meetings.

“It was then decided (by the government) that the vice-president was not well and needed treatment and rest. Accordingly, a medical certificate was prepared and attached to the resignation letter,” the party claimed.

Dhankhar stepped down as the vice president on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons and medical advice.

His exit created a political storm and there was speculation that the Opposition allege that he had quit under pressure from the government.