New Delhi: Forty days after his shock resignation as India’s Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar has vacated the plush Vice President’s Enclave, stepping away from the national spotlight to a private farmhouse in South Delhi’s Chattarpur.
As the nation gears up for a new Vice-Presidential election on September 9, Dhankhar’s move to Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Singh Chautala’s estate in Gadaipur marks a curious chapter in his storied career, fuelling speculation about his abrupt departure.
A Temporary Haven In Chattarpur
Dhankhar, 74, has shifted to Chautala’s farmhouse as an interim arrangement while the government prepares a Type-8 bungalow for him at 34 APJ Abdul Kalam Road. The sprawling Lutyens’ Delhi residence, allocated by the Ministry of Urban Development’s Directorate of Estates, is undergoing renovations expected to take three months. Until then, the former Vice President will reside in the secluded Chattarpur estate, a nod to his longstanding ties with the Chautala family, rooted in his mentorship under former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal.
Sources indicate Dhankhar has not yet formally requested government accommodation, though the ministry proactively secured the Type-8 bungalow last month. Going by protocol, former Vice Presidents are entitled to either a Type-8 residence in Lutyens’ Delhi or two acres of land in their native place. If the allocated bungalow does not suit Dhankhar, officials say alternative options can be arranged.
A Resignation Shrouded In Mystery
Dhankhar’s resignation on July 21, citing health reasons, stunned political circles. As the first Vice President to reside in the newly-built Vice President’s Enclave on Church Road — constructed under the Central Vista project — he had occupied the residence since April 2024. Though entitled to stay for up to 15 months post-resignation, Dhankhar vacated the Enclave within 40 days, bidding farewell to staff at 4:15 pm on Monday.
The abrupt exit has sparked speculation. Some opposition leaders have hinted at underlying tensions, with whispers of a “velvet cage” or pressure from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Union Home Minister Amit Shah has dismissed such claims, insisting Dhankhar’s decision was solely health-driven. Meanwhile, Dhankhar has remained largely out of the public eye, with sources close to him saying he is spending time with family, practising yoga and playing table tennis at the farmhouse.
A New Vice President Looms
Dhankhar’s departure paves the way for the Vice-Presidential election on September 9. The NDA has fielded Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan, while the Opposition INDIA bloc has nominated former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy. The contest, typically a formality due to the ruling alliance’s parliamentary strength, has taken on an air of intrigue following Dhankhar’s exit, only the third mid-term Vice-Presidential resignation in India’s history after V V Giri and R Venkataraman.
A Legacy In Transition
A seasoned politician and lawyer, Dhankhar’s career spans roles as a Lok Sabha MP, Rajasthan MLA, West Bengal Governor and Vice President from 2022 to 2025. His move to Chautala’s farmhouse, a temporary retreat, reflects both personal connections and practical necessity. As India awaits its 15th Vice President, Dhankhar’s quiet shift from constitutional prominence to a private haven raises questions: is this a pause before a new chapter, or a retreat from the political fray?