What is Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Lasting Legacy in Kithana?

Jaipur, July 22 (NationPress) The resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar from his post as Vice President of India due to health issues has created a ripple effect throughout the country, particularly in his birthplace district of Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. This unexpected announcement coincided with the commencement of the monsoon session of Parliament.

Recognized for his dynamic leadership and administrative prowess, Dhankhar's abrupt exit has plunged his hometown of Kithana into an emotional turmoil, with local residents convening late into the night to discuss the implications of this news.

Villager Hirendra Dhankhar reflected on the Vice President's significant contributions to Kithana's growth.

His initiatives led to remarkable advancements in the village, including the establishment of a college, a stadium, an Ayurvedic hospital, and other vital infrastructure. Under his leadership, the groundwork for a National Highway traversing the village also commenced. Furthermore, his family has been instrumental in supporting local projects such as the Gaushala and government schools, greatly enhancing the village’s social and educational framework.

Kithana Sarpanch Subhita expressed that Dhankhar has made substantial contributions to the village's development, and there is an overwhelming sense of despair among the residents following the news.

Despite his high-ranking position, Dhankhar maintained strong ties with Kithana. His wife, Sudesh Dhankhar, frequently visited, connecting with the local populace and monitoring development projects.

“Irrespective of his official status, he will forever remain our Vice President,” remarked emotional villagers in response to the news.

Subhita reiterated the pervasive sorrow engulfing the village.

His nephew, Harendra Dhankhar, shared that Sudesh had mentioned during her visit in July that the Vice President had recently undergone heart surgery.

Jagdeep Dhankhar, born on May 18, 1951, in Kithana, Chidawa tehsil, completed his early education at local government schools and pursued a law degree at Rajasthan University.

A distinguished senior advocate at the Supreme Court, he ventured into politics by winning the 1989 Lok Sabha elections from Jhunjhunu as a candidate of the Janata Dal, with BJP backing. He served as Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs from April 21 to November 5, 1990. Though he lost the 1991 elections as a Congress candidate, he was elected as an MLA from Kishangarh in Ajmer in 1993.

Before assuming the Vice Presidency, he held the position of Governor of West Bengal. He is the middle of three brothers; his elder brother Kuldeep Dhankhar owns a construction firm, while his younger brother Randeep Dhankhar has served as Chairman of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation.

After taking the oath as the 14th Vice President of India on August 11, 2022, Dhankhar maintained his close connection with his native region. His first visit to Kithana as Vice President was on September 8, 2022, where he participated in several cultural and educational initiatives.

These events included inaugurating the Swami Vivekananda Sandesh Yatra on November 19, 2022, engaging with students at the Sainik School on August 27, 2023, temple visits to Lohargal and the Rani Sati Dadi Temple, and delivering a speech at BITS Pilani on September 27, 2023.

He launched the “Swachhata Hi Seva 2024” campaign in Jhunjhunu and visited Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kajda, on November 20, 2024.

On March 5, 2025, he interacted with students at Mahatma Gandhi English Medium School in Sangasi and attended a family wedding on the same day.

With a profound love for his homeland and a strong commitment to education, Dhankhar consistently engaged with schoolchildren.

He often invited students to Delhi at government expense, motivating them to reach for their dreams. He inspired young minds across institutions such as Sainik School, Pilani, Sangasi, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Kajda, even donating a Smart TV to the Sangasi Government School, highlighting his belief in the importance of digital education.

However, his health began to decline in March 2025. Following a heart attack, he was admitted to AIIMS Delhi on March 9, where he underwent the insertion of stents. Although discharged on March 12, his health deteriorated again during a trip to Uttarakhand on June 25, necessitating urgent medical attention.

While his term was originally scheduled to end on August 10, 2027, Dhankhar stepped down nearly two years ahead of time, prioritizing his health based on medical counsel.

His resignation shocked many, especially since he had actively engaged in Rajya Sabha sessions earlier that day. In his resignation letter, he expressed that the decision was made in the interest of his well-being.

Historically, only two other Vice Presidents – V.V. Giri (1969) and R. Venkataraman (1987) – have resigned, both to ascend to the presidency. Jagdeep Dhankhar, however, is the first Vice President in India's history to resign solely due to health issues.

His departure has not only created a void in national politics but has also left a personal gap among the people of Kithana, who will forever cherish him as a proud son of the soil and an enduring source of inspiration, according to locals.