"Kapil Sibal Queries J Dhankhar's Location: Whereabouts of Laapataa Ladies' Associate Uncertain"
In a surprising turn of events, former Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has been absent from public life since his sudden resignation on July 21, 2025. Citing health issues and the need to follow medical advice, Dhankhar stepped down from his position, effective immediately, and was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu the following day [1][2][3].
Since then, Dhankhar has kept a low profile, focusing on his health. No official public duties or appearances have been reported as of mid-August 2025 [3][5]. His departure from the Vice President's position and the Rajya Sabha chairmanship prompted the process for electing his successor [1][4].
Recent concerns have been raised by Rajya Sabha MP, Kapil Sibal, regarding the whereabouts of Dhankhar. Sibal has expressed that he has not heard from Dhankhar since his resignation, and neither have his political colleagues or Dhankhar's family [6][7]. Sibal has even suggested that the opposition may have to protect Dhankhar, implying that he may be in danger or under duress [8].
These concerns were further escalated when Sibal posted a message on a social media platform, asking for information about Dhankhar's location, safety, and communication status. He compared the situation to the Bollywood movie "Laapataa Ladies" and stated that he had never heard of a "laapataa (absent) vice president" [9].
Sibal has also asked the home minister to give a statement about Dhankhar's whereabouts and has questioned whether the home ministry knows where Dhankhar is [10]. He urged them to reveal his location, stating that several of his political colleagues have also been unable to reach Dhankhar [11].
It is worth noting that Dhankhar underwent angioplasty at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi after his resignation [12]. During his tenure as the Rajya Sabha chairman, Dhankhar had several run-ins with the Opposition [13].
A motion to impeach Dhankhar was moved by the Opposition, but it was later rejected by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh [14]. Dhankhar's resignation came on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament [15].
Despite these concerns, no information suggests other reasons for Dhankhar's absence or whereabouts beyond this health-related context. The mystery surrounding Dhankhar's disappearance continues to unfold, with Sibal suggesting filing a habeas corpus to locate him [1].
[1] The Indian Express
[2] The Hindu
[3] Business Standard
[4] NDTV
[5] The Times of India
[6] The Wire
[7] The Print
[8] The Indian Express
[9] The Print
[10] The Wire
[11] The Print
[12] The Hindu
[13] The Times of India
[14] NDTV
[15] Business Standard
- The unexpected absence of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has led to speculation in the realm of politics and general news, with Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal suggesting that the opposition may need to protect him, citing a potential danger or duress as possible reasons.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts within India's political landscape has been further highlighted by the unusual scenario of a "laapataa (absent)" Vice President Dhankhar, prompting policy-and-legislation discussions on his whereabouts and safety, with Kapil Sibal urging the home minister to provide a statement and considering filing a habeas corpus.
