CPI(M) Rajya Sabha floor leader John Brittas spoke to Preetha Nair about the resignation of former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Excerpts:
Do you think Dhankhar’s resignation is inexplicable?
There is little confusion with regard to the fact that it was not an organic resignation as nobody believes health was the reason. He had health issues for sure, but the sudden resignation was inspired by something else and we want the government to come clear on it.
The V-P’s chair is the second highest constitutional position and the dignity of the Office should be maintained. Many stories are being floated and one of them is that he was asked to step down. This is the first time a V-P has resigned when the session is in progress.
The V-P was active on the first day of the session, had called at least three or four meetings, interacted with members and had his plans for the coming days, too. Suddenly, he springs a surprise. It’s something which is not digestible to us. We have our own disagreements with him, but that does not mean that a constitutional position can be belittled by the government.
If the Centre is not ready to divulge details, Dhankhar should break his silence.
But the PM has tweeted...
See the difference between the tweet by the Prime Minister when Dhankhar’s candidature was declared, where ‘Kisan Putra’ was used as a glorious adjective for him, and the much-delayed, cryptic tweet from the PM, a two-line which is dry and intriguing. The wide gulf between the two tweets itself has got profound meaning as to what has happened.
You think his statements on judiciary riled the govt?
All his statements are in line with the BJP’s ideology and the government’s policy. He made a statement in Rajya Sabha saying the RSS is a respected global think tank. He has staunchly supported the government, but there could have been a grey area which would have resulted in his resignation. This shows that an authoritarian government demands 100% allegiance.
Is this about Justice Varma’s impeachment?
A notice was given by the Opposition on Justice Varma which he acknowledged and almost admitted as it was. He said it fulfilled the stipulated requirements. Since he has pronounced that, it’s an order. So the notice is active. I feel that he was ready to take up the impeachment motion by the Opposition against Justice Shekhar Yadav on hate speech.
Has the INDIA bloc decided on a candidate?
We are waiting for the first move because it’s for the government to sound us out. We will have a solid candidate though the numbers are not in our favour.
