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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Inside the secret power struggle behind Dhankhar’s resignation

Mumbai: The cryptic silence surrounding the abrupt resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in July was shattered on the floor of the Rajya Sabha this Monday, not by a government clarification, but by the visible anguish of the Opposition. While official records continue to attribute his departure to “health reasons,” highly placed sources in the power corridors of the capital have now confirmed that a fatal misunderstanding of the shifting power dynamics between the Rashtriya...

Inside the secret power struggle behind Dhankhar’s resignation

Mumbai: The cryptic silence surrounding the abrupt resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in July was shattered on the floor of the Rajya Sabha this Monday, not by a government clarification, but by the visible anguish of the Opposition. While official records continue to attribute his departure to “health reasons,” highly placed sources in the power corridors of the capital have now confirmed that a fatal misunderstanding of the shifting power dynamics between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) top brass was the true precipice from which the former Vice President fell. The revelations surfaced as the Winter Session of Parliament commenced on Monday, December 1, 2025. The solemnity of welcoming the new Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, C.P. Radhakrishnan, was punctured by an emotional intervention from Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. The veteran Congress leader, hands shaking and voice trembling, shed tears on the floor of the House—a rare display of vulnerability that underscored the Opposition’s grievance over what they term an “institutional surgical strike.” The Failed Mediation Exclusive details emerging from Delhi’s political circles paint a picture of a constitutional authority who misread the winds of change. Sources reveal that tensions between Dhankhar and the government had been simmering for months, primarily over his handling of key legislative agendas and a perceived “drift” towards accommodating Opposition demands in the Upper House. As the chasm widened, a lifeline was reportedly thrown. A senior leader from a prominent alliance partner within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) — a figure with decades of parliamentary experience and respect across the aisle — had discreetly offered to mediate. This leader recognized the growing impatience in the BJP high command and sought to bridge the gap before it became unbridgeable. However, Dhankhar declined the immediate urgency of this political mediation. “He was confident in his equations with the ideological parent,” a source familiar with the developments stated. “He is close to some of the RSS top functionaries and relied on them to mediate when his equations with the BJP top brass started going astray.” This reliance on Nagpur to manage New Delhi proved to be a critical miscalculation. Sources indicate that Dhankhar believed his deep ties with the Sangh would act as a buffer, insulating him from the political maneuvering of the ruling party’s executive leadership. He reportedly waited for the “green signal” or intervention from RSS functionaries, delaying the necessary reconciliation with the party leadership. Cost of delay The delay in mending ways was fatal. By the time the former Vice President realized that the RSS would not—or could not—overrule the BJP’s strategic decision to replace him, the die had been cast. The drift had become a gulf. The instruction, when it finally came on that fateful July 21, was absolute - he had to vacate the office immediately. The “untimely sudden resignation” that followed was officially cloaked in medical terminology, but insiders describe a chaotic exit. The former VP, who had recently moved into the lavish new Vice-President’s Enclave, was forced to vacate the premises in haste, leaving behind a tenure marked by both assertive confrontations and, ironically, a final act of silent compliance. Tears in the Upper House The ghost of this departure loomed large over Monday’s proceedings. Welcoming the new Chairman, C.P. Radhakrishnan, Mallikarjun Kharge could not hold back his emotions. Breaking away from the customary pleasantries, Kharge launched into a poignant lament for the predecessor who was denied a farewell. “I am constrained to refer to your predecessor’s completely unexpected and sudden exit from the office of the Rajya Sabha Chairman, which is unprecedented in the annals of parliamentary history,” Kharge said, his voice heavy with emotion. As Treasury benches erupted in protest, shouting slogans to drown out the discomforting truth, Kharge continued, wiping tears from his eyes. “The Chairman, being the custodian of the entire House, belongs as much to the Opposition as to the government. I was disheartened that the House did not get an opportunity to bid him a farewell. Regardless, we wish him, on behalf of the entire Opposition, a very healthy life.” The sight of the Leader of the Opposition shedding tears for a presiding officer with whom he had frequently clashed was a striking paradox. It highlighted the Opposition’s narrative that Dhankhar’s removal was not just a personnel change, but an assertion of executive dominance over the legislature. New chapter with old scars The government, represented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, sharply countered Kharge’s remarks, accusing the Opposition of shedding “crocodile tears” after having moved impeachment notices against Dhankhar in the past. “You are insulting the Chair by raising this now,” Rijiju argued amidst the din. Yet, outside the House, the whispers persisted. The narrative of a Vice President who waited for a call from Nagpur that came too late has firmly taken root. As C.P. Radhakrishnan takes the Chair, he does so not just as a new presiding officer, but as the successor to a man who learned the hard way that in the current dispensation, political alignment with the executive supersedes even the oldest of ideological ties.

Two-Wheeler Ride Apps in Mumbai: A Smart, Sensible Choice 

Used wisely and safely, app-based two-wheeler rides offer a convenient, economical, and eco-friendly way to commute.

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Mumbai never stops moving, yet movement is often the slowest, with cars, buses, autos, lorries, and taxis crowding every inch of road. In this fast-paced yet congested setting, app-based two-wheeler rides have quietly become a game-changer. What began as an experiment is now a practical, economical, and even nostalgic option for lakhs of commuters.More than a ride, it has become a refreshing lifestyle shift—especially for middle-aged individuals who find it pleasantly reminiscent of their college days.

 

Mumbai’s Smart Move

They beat traffic: Mumbai’s roads are choked at any hour. A bike slips through narrow gaps, avoids deadlocks, and reaches the destination in half the time. For those on tight schedules—office-goers, tutors, teachers, or students—this time-saving edge is priceless.


Highly cost-effective: Bike rides often cost half or even a third of an auto or cab. Saving ₹20–₹50 per trip adds up to a few hundred rupees a month—and much more over a year—money that can go towards leisure, travel, or personal goals.


Comfortable for short distances: For 3–8 km trips, bikes are the smartest choice. They aren’t tiring, expensive, or time-consuming—perfect for quick daily commutes.


Environment-friendly: A bike occupies less road space, uses less fuel, and emits less carbon than cars or autos. It makes your commute lighter on both your pocket and the planet.


Nostalgic and refreshing: For middle-aged commuters, riding a two-wheeler again brings back college-day memories—the wind, the freedom, that youthful lightness. It feels less like a chore and more like a small moment of joy. For youngsters, it’s a style statement and the quickest way to explore the city.


Perfect for tight schedules: When you’re running late or stuck in sudden traffic, a bike ride almost always gets you there on time. That reliability makes it truly dependable.


Smart Usage Tips

Choose well-rated drivers: Check the driver’s rating before booking. Anything above 4.6 usually signals reliability, safety, and good behaviour.


Use it for the right trips: Short daily commutes• Last-mile travel• Quick runs to classes or meetings• Time-critical situations


Book only through official apps: Avoid unregistered freelance riders. Official apps offer live tracking, ride history, SOS features, and insurance coverage.


Check the fare first: Peak pricing can be high, so compare apps when you can.


Keep your hands free: avoid big or heavy bags. Use a backpack for better balance.


Wear the helmet provided: Most riders carry a spare—ask for it without hesitation.


Do’s and Don’ts

DO’s

  • Wear a helmet—non-negotiable

  • Sit upright to avoid back strain

  • Hold the side handles or keep balanced

  • Share your ride with a trusted person if you're late

  • Check vehicle condition (tyres, seat, brake feel, if possible)

  • Talk politely with the rider

  • Ensure the rider follows traffic rules


DON’Ts

  • Don’t sit sideways—always sit facing forward

  • Don’t take a ride without a helmet

  • Don’t carry very heavy shopping bags or luggage

  • Don’t use your phone while on the bike

  • Don’t force the rider to overspeed

  • Don’t take rides in heavy rain unless necessary

 

The Growing Trend

This category is growing rapidly due to:

Traffic crisis: Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad face severe congestion. Youngsters and professionals now prioritise speed over comfort.

Affordability: With rising inflation, people prefer options that offer comfort and speed while still saving money.

Youth influence: Students and young professionals adopt trends quickly. Its usage encourages middle-aged commuters to try it too.

Lifestyle choice: Bike rides feel compact, quick, and liberating—a small burst of freedom in a busy day.

Emotional connection: For many middle-aged riders, it’s a throwback to younger days—the breeze, the bends, the nostalgia—bringing a renewed sense of youthfulness.

 

Small Ride, Big Change

Taking app-based two-wheeler rides in a city like Mumbai is more than a practical commute—it’s a smart financial choice, a time-saver, and often a small emotional refresh. Used responsibly, these rides can make daily travel smoother, faster, and far more enjoyable.


With the right precautions and awareness, this simple option can add real comfort to urban life.


I didn’t know about this two-wheeler app or what I was missing until a friend explained its benefits. I tried it once, and since then it has become part of my routine—efficient, effortless, and smooth, like a well-designed machine.


It has truly been a game-changer—saving money, saving time, and turning daily travel into something calmer and more balanced. My commute feels lighter, and honestly, I’m impressed.This small shift has brought ease, clarity, and progress. Try it—you may just rediscover life.


(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)


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