Shah: Dhankhar quit due to health issues, no truth in opposition's claims

NEW DELHI: In a first remark by a senior govt leader since Jadgeep Dhankhar's resignation as Vice-President on July 21, home minister Amit Shah on Monday said the former VP quit due to health issues and dismissed the opposition's claims that he was under "house arrest".

"Dhankhar sahab's resignation letter is quite clear. He has cited health reasons for his resignation. He has also expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the PM and other ministers and govt members for his good tenure," the home minister said in an interview to news agency ANI.

Dhankhar's resignation on July 21, the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon session, triggered speculation about possible motives because of its abruptness. The reason cited by him - "health grounds" has not stilled the buzz.

Amit Shah dismissed opposition's insinuation that of "house arrest", and cautioned against unnecessarily creating a controversy by making such statements.

"It seems like your interpretation of truth and lies is based on what the opposition has to say. We shouldn't make a fuss out of all this. Dhankhar held a constitutional post and discharged his duties as per the Constitution. He resigned due to personal health reasons. One should not deliberate much on the issue," Shah told the interviewer.

The home minister also rejected speculation about the former VP having differences with the govt, saying that there was no pressure on him and political motives should not be read into Dhankhar's decision.

"It is the opposition's old habit to develop fake interpretations. There is no truth in such claims. Searching for conspiracies or mysteries in this is another example of cheap politics. Today the country is writing many positive and historic stories of development, transparency, self-reliance, space, 'Digital India' and more but the opposition and certain media always chase stories that spread confusion and distrust. This approach is not in the nation's interest," Shah said.



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