NEW DELHI: Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday delivered his first public speech since stepping down from office. Addressing a gathering in Bhopal, he highlighted the importance of fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities, even in the face of personal constraints citing his recent past as proof.Speaking at the launch of Hum Aur Yeh Vishwa, a book by RSS joint general secretary Manmohan Vaidya, Dhankhar remarked, “In today’s time, people are drifting away from morality and spirituality. ‘Main flight pakadne ki chinta se apne kartavya ko nahin chhod sakta’. My recent past is proof of it…”Dhankhar also warned against getting caught in a narrative, saying that once you’re stuck, it becomes very difficult to get out, adding that “I am not giving my example.”“‘Bhagwan kare ki koi narrative ke chakkar mein na fas jaye, iss chakravyuh mein koi fass gaya toh nikalna bada mushkil hain (God forbid that anyone gets caught up in a narrative; if someone gets trapped in this labyrinth, it becomes very difficult to get out)’. I am not giving my example,” he said.Dhankhar resigned abruptly on July 21, citing health reasons, and had remained out of public view except for a quiet appearance at the swearing-in of his successor CP Radhakrishnan on September 12. His absence from public life had fuelled questions from the Opposition, which repeatedly argued he deserved a formal farewell like his predecessors. The Congress had also suggested that his silence since July was unusual. Jairam Ramesh said Dhankhar had been “totally silent – unseen and unheard” for 100 days and claimed his resignation appeared “forced”, even though Dhankhar had consistently praised the prime minister.Friday’s event was also notable for the absence of government representatives. No one from the Mohan Yadav administration or the state BJP arrived at the airport to receive him, prompting sharp criticism from former chief minister Digvijaya Singh. He accused the ruling party of disregarding protocol, saying the BJP values only those who are “useful” to it and describing its approach as “use and throw”. He added that he would not extend that criticism to the RSS, given Dhankhar had come at the Sangh’s invitation.Organisers said the former vice-president had been scheduled as the keynote speaker for some time, marking his first major engagement since leaving office. Dhankhar, who took charge in August 2022 and was due to serve until 2027, had an eventful tenure that included frequent clashes with the Opposition and an unprecedented impeachment motion that was later dismissed.
