Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on Monday night came as a shock and triggered speculation across political circles. It was just another routine business day for Dhankhar until late evening, when he dropped the bombshell. The announcement came on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of the Rajya Sabha, where he had presided over the House until 1 pm. Jagdeep Dhankhar is widely regarded as a composed figure who presided over the Rajya Sabha with sharp precision. However, he has locked horns with MP Jaya Bachchan many times in the house under different circumstances. Here’s a look back at Dhankhar’s distinguished professional and political journey.
Who Is Jagdeep Dhankhar?
Born to Late Shri Gokal Chand and Late Srimati Kesari Devi on 18 May 1951, Jagdeep Dhankar hails from Rajasthan’s Kithana village located in Jhunjhunu District. He married Sudesh Dhankar in the year 1979, and the couple has a daughter named Kamna.
Early Education
Dhankhar studied at Kitana’s Government Primary School until Class 5 and later took admission in the Government Middle School in Ghardhana, located 4 to 5 km away. In 1962, after passing the Chittorgarh Sainik School Entrance Examination, he was admitted to the institution on a full merit scholarship. He completed his Bachelor’s in Science (Hons) Physics from Maharaja’s College, Jaipur. He then went to the University of Rajasthan and pursued an LLB (1978–1979).
Dhankhar was enrolled with the Bar Council of Rajasthan as an Advocate from 10th November, 1979. As a designated Senior Advocate, he initially practised in the Supreme Court and later in various High Courts. His key focus areas were in the field of Steel, Coal, Mining, and International Commercial Arbitration.
Entry Into Politics
Jagdeep Dhankhar entered politics in 1989, after winning a Lok Sabha seat from Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu parliamentary constituency on a Janata Dal ticket. He was elected to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from the Kishangarh seat and served from 1993 to 1998. He was also a member of a delegation as Deputy Leader of a Parliamentary Group to the European Parliament. He assumed the Office of the Governor of West Bengal on 30th July, 2019.
Associations
- Life Member, Indian Law Institute, New Delhi.
- Member, Indian Council of Arbitration.
- Member, ICC Commission of Arbitration.
- Member, ICC Court of Arbitration.
- Cooperative movement, agriculture and fine arts.
- He has been the President of the Rajasthan Olympic Association and the Rajasthan Tennis Association
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s journey from a farm boy to Raisina Hill was not easy, but he was able to attain this only through his hard work.
