Why Haven't We Heard of the ‘Laapataa Vice President’?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kapil Sibal highlights Dhankhar's unexplained absence.
- Government transparency is critical in democratic societies.
- Concern over potential restrictions on Dhankhar's freedom of speech.
- The political implications of Dhankhar's silence are significant.
- Public figures' well-being should be a priority for the government.
New Delhi, Aug 9 (NationPress) Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal voiced his apprehension regarding the welfare of the “incommunicado” former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. He noted that while he has heard of ‘Laapataa Ladies’, he has never come across ‘Laapataa Vice President’. Sibal urged Home Minister Amit Shah for clarity on Dhankhar’s location since his resignation from the constitutional role, stating, “I hope the government has not, in any form, placed an impediment.”
“He resigned on July 21, and as of today, August 9, we have no idea of his whereabouts,” Sibal explained to reporters. “He is not at his official residence. Initially, when I tried to reach him, someone answered the phone and said he was resting and would call me back. Since then, several colleagues and I have attempted to contact him for days without success,” he added.
Expressing his astonishment at the lack of communication with the former Rajya Sabha Chairman, Sibal referenced a popular Bollywood film, stating, “I have heard of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ but never heard of ‘Laapataa Vice President’.”
Sibal characterized Dhankhar's resignation as “unfortunate” and suggested that it might be time for the Opposition to rally support for him. “Clearly, he is facing some issues that we are not privy to. I hope he is okay, and if he’s not at his official residence, we should be informed of his location,” he expressed.
Sibal, who shares a close bond with Dhankhar, voiced his worries, stating, “I urge the Home Minister to make a public statement revealing his whereabouts so that we can visit him.”
The Rajya Sabha MP pondered the reasons behind Dhankhar’s silence, questioning, “There must be some explanation for this.”
He raised concerns about potential government restrictions on Dhankhar’s public interactions, noting, “The election for a new Vice President is set for September, and there’s still ample time. I hope the government has not imposed any barriers. I believe he should be free to express his thoughts on the situation.”
Without knowledge of his location, we cannot ascertain any details, he concluded.