On August 10, 2025, a wave of concern swept through India’s political circles as questions mounted over the sudden disappearance of Jagdeep Dhankhar, the former Vice President of India. The abrupt nature of his resignation, coupled with his subsequent unreachability, has left both the public and prominent political figures searching for answers. The episode has sparked a flurry of speculation, comparisons to international incidents, and a heightened sense of unease at the highest levels of government.
The first tremors of public concern emerged when Sanjay Raut, a senior political leader known for his outspoken commentary, took to the media to voice his worries. Raut did not mince words, drawing a provocative parallel between Dhankhar’s situation and the mysterious disappearances of political figures in China. "Like in China, are leaders disappearing in India too?" Raut asked, his rhetorical question echoing the anxieties of many who have watched similar stories unfold in other countries. According to The Times of India, Raut’s statement came close on the heels of former union minister and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal raising similar concerns.
Kapil Sibal, a veteran parliamentarian and legal luminary, was among the first to publicly question the whereabouts of the former Vice President. On August 10, Sibal expressed his unease, describing Dhankhar as the "Laapata V-P"—a phrase that translates to "missing Vice President." His remarks, reported by The Hindu, captured the growing sense of alarm: "Where is Jagdeep Dhankhar? He resigned abruptly and has been unreachable since then." Sibal’s comments quickly gained traction, prompting a broader debate about transparency, accountability, and the health of India’s democratic institutions.
Dhankhar’s resignation itself was a surprise. There had been no public indications of discontent, ill health, or political pressure in the days leading up to his decision. The Vice President’s office, typically a bastion of stability and continuity, was suddenly thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Since stepping down, Dhankhar has not been seen in public or made any statements, and all attempts to contact him—by phone, official channels, or even personal associates—have reportedly failed.
For many observers, the lack of information is the most unsettling aspect of the story. In a country where political resignations, though not unheard of, are usually accompanied by explanations or at least a public appearance, the silence surrounding Dhankhar’s departure is deafening. As reported by NDTV, several senior officials and party leaders have confirmed that they, too, have been unable to reach the former Vice President. "No one seems to know where he is or why he left so suddenly," one unnamed source was quoted as saying.
The comparison to China, invoked by Raut, is not without historical precedent. In recent years, several high-ranking Chinese officials have disappeared from public view, only to resurface months later—sometimes facing charges, other times simply reassigned or silenced. These incidents have often been shrouded in secrecy, fueling rumors and international concern. By raising this parallel, Raut tapped into a deep well of anxiety about the robustness of democratic norms and the dangers of unchecked executive power.
The Indian public, for its part, has responded with a mix of curiosity, concern, and skepticism. Social media platforms have been abuzz with speculation, ranging from the plausible to the outlandish. Some users have called for a formal investigation, while others have expressed hope that Dhankhar will soon reappear and clarify the circumstances of his resignation. Hashtags like #WhereIsDhankhar and #MissingVP have trended on Twitter, reflecting the widespread interest in the case.
Political analysts have also weighed in, offering a variety of interpretations. Some see the incident as a symptom of deeper tensions within India’s political establishment. "When a figure as senior as the Vice President vanishes without explanation, it raises serious questions about transparency and internal stability," said Professor Nandini Rao, a political scientist at Jawaharlal Nehru University, in an interview with The Indian Express. Others caution against jumping to conclusions, noting that personal or medical reasons could also be at play.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have seized on the issue to criticize the ruling government’s handling of the situation. They argue that the lack of clear communication only serves to erode public trust and fuel unnecessary speculation. "The people of India deserve to know what happened to their Vice President," asserted a spokesperson for a major opposition party, as reported by The Hindustan Times. "This is not just a matter of protocol—it’s a matter of national importance."
Government officials, for their part, have maintained a guarded silence. While some have acknowledged the unusual nature of Dhankhar’s resignation, none have offered substantive details about his whereabouts or the reasons behind his departure. According to sources cited by The Economic Times, internal discussions are ongoing, but no official statement has been released as of yet. The Prime Minister’s Office has declined to comment, citing privacy concerns and the need for due process.
The episode has also prompted broader questions about the role and visibility of high-ranking officials in India’s political system. Unlike in some Western democracies, where leaders are expected to maintain a constant public presence, Indian political culture has at times tolerated a degree of opacity. However, as this incident demonstrates, the boundaries of acceptable secrecy are being tested in an era of instant communication and heightened public scrutiny.
For historians and political commentators, the disappearance of a sitting or recently resigned Vice President is virtually unprecedented in modern Indian history. There have been instances of ministers resigning under a cloud or facing legal challenges, but rarely has a figure of Dhankhar’s stature simply vanished from the public eye. This has led to renewed calls for reforms aimed at increasing transparency and safeguarding the independence of constitutional offices.
International observers have also taken note. With India’s growing profile on the world stage, events such as these inevitably attract global attention. Diplomatic sources in New Delhi, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, expressed hope that the situation would be resolved quickly and transparently, emphasizing the importance of stable democratic institutions in the world’s largest democracy.
As the days pass with no word from or about Jagdeep Dhankhar, the sense of mystery only deepens. For now, the public is left to wonder: Is this a temporary absence, a sign of deeper political turmoil, or something else entirely? What is clear is that the disappearance of a senior leader—especially one as prominent as the Vice President—has struck a nerve, forcing India to confront uncomfortable questions about power, accountability, and the delicate machinery of its democracy.
Until more information emerges, the story of the "Laapata V-P" remains an unsettling chapter in India’s political narrative, a reminder that even the most established institutions are not immune to moments of uncertainty and intrigue.
