Congress Pushes for Formal Farewell to Vice President Dhankhar

In a move that was both symbolic and strategic, the Congress party on Wednesday raised the issue of a formal farewell for Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar at the meeting of the Rajya Sabha Business Advisory Council (BAC). With political temperatures rising ahead of the monsoon session, the Congress’ intervention transformed what would usually be a protocol issue into a nuanced political moment, putting the government on the back foot.

The demand sparked quiet murmurs within the council and reflected broader undercurrents in Parliament, where the Opposition is attempting to reclaim symbolic and institutional spaces.

A Call for Tradition, or a Tactical Statement?

Congress leaders attending the BAC meeting brought up the absence of a farewell plan for Vice President Dhankhar, whose term is nearing its conclusion. Traditionally, outgoing presiding officers—both in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—are accorded a farewell session, marked by tributes from across party lines acknowledging their role and stewardship.

The Congress reportedly said that not planning such a farewell “breaks from parliamentary convention” and signals a disregard for the decorum and dignity of the institution. Sources indicate that senior Congress leaders made their point forcefully, arguing that the Rajya Sabha cannot overlook the farewell just because of political differences.

While the ruling party has not officially commented, insiders say the BJP sees the matter as premature and procedural, suggesting a farewell session could still be planned closer to the end of Dhankhar’s tenure. But Congress’ public assertion has already drawn attention—and possibly, a response.

The Larger Symbolism

Beyond the question of parliamentary tradition lies a larger message. Dhankhar, a BJP nominee and a vocal constitutional functionary, has often clashed with the Opposition during his time as Rajya Sabha Chairman. Known for his assertive style and interventions during debates, Dhankhar’s tenure has been marked by frequent tensions with Congress MPs and other Opposition leaders.

By calling for a farewell, the Congress has, in some ways, acknowledged his institutional stature—even while subtly framing him as a political figure who deserves a formal send-off not for partisanship, but for office.

In doing so, the party appears to have achieved two objectives: positioning itself as a defender of parliamentary norms and subtly reminding the government of its own obligations to democratic process, irrespective of political loyalties.

A Parliament of Polarities

The BAC meeting came just ahead of the new session, which is already poised to be contentious. Issues like electoral bonds, the NEET controversy, economic disparities, and foreign policy alignments have made Parliament a site of growing polarization.

In that context, the Congress’ move to bring up a farewell plan for Dhankhar has layered implications. While on the surface it appears conciliatory, the subtext is clear: even amidst deep divides, the Congress is presenting itself as the upholder of legislative etiquette and civility.

This is particularly relevant in an era where Parliament has witnessed frequent disruptions, walkouts, and diminishing space for consensus-building.

No Clear Government Response Yet

The government has not issued an official statement on whether a farewell session will be held. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi reportedly acknowledged the matter during the meeting but stopped short of making a commitment. Sources indicate that some members of the Treasury benches were surprised by the Congress’ insistence and saw it as a strategic move.

It is worth noting that the BJP has, in the past, conducted grand farewells for presiding officers like M. Venkaiah Naidu. However, relations between Dhankhar and the Opposition have been more strained, with several MPs alleging bias in the handling of debates and suspensions during heated sessions.

A Test for Parliamentary Civility

Should the farewell happen, it will mark a significant moment not just in terms of tradition, but in tone-setting. It may also offer a platform for bipartisan gestures in a deeply divided political climate.

Observers say such an event could provide a rare moment of civility in Parliament—where MPs across party lines set aside ideological battles to honour institutional roles. For the Congress, this may also help it recast its image from aggressive disruptor to statesmanlike opposition.

For the BJP, meanwhile, agreeing to a farewell could be a calculated gesture of political maturity—particularly ahead of the 2026 Vice Presidential election, where support from across the aisle may again become necessary.

Dhankhar’s Tenure: Assertive and Controversial

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s time as Rajya Sabha Chairman has been anything but quiet. A former Governor of West Bengal and a seasoned lawyer, Dhankhar brought legal precision and combative rhetoric to the role. He often found himself at the center of debates, taking strong positions on parliamentary conduct, federalism, and constitutional duties.

However, the Opposition frequently accused him of overreach and partisanship. His interventions, especially during the passage of contentious bills or debates on national security, drew criticism for “curbing debate” and “shielding the government.”

Yet, even critics admit that Dhankhar presided over an active and engaged Upper House, where debates were intense and procedures often tested. Whether one sees his style as firm or confrontational, his tenure has been impactful.

 More Than Just a Goodbye

By raising the question of Dhankhar’s farewell, the Congress has done more than highlight a lapse in protocol—it has turned a procedural point into a political test of the ruling party’s regard for institutions.

Whether the farewell happens or not, the demand itself is telling: in India’s noisy parliamentary democracy, symbolism still matters, and sometimes, saying goodbye says a lot more than expected.

As Parliament readies for its next session, this debate over decorum may well set the tone—not just for how it conducts business, but how it handles differences.