Political Buzz Over Jagdeep Dhankhar Exit: Ex-VP Shifts to Chautala Residence Amid Oppositions House Arrest Allegations
New Delhi, August 27, 2025: Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned from his post on July 21 citing health reasons, has finally vacated the official Vice Presidential residence in New Delhi after 42 days. On Monday evening at around 6 pm, Dhankhar shifted to the farmhouse of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Chautala, located in Delhi’s Chhatarpur area. Confirming the development, Abhay Chautala told Dainik Bhaskar, “Our family has had a long-standing bond with Dhankhar ji for decades. We requested him to stay at our farmhouse until he is allotted a government bungalow, and he kindly accepted.” Dhankhar, who had been living in the Vice President’s enclave near Parliament House since assuming office in August 2022, was entitled to continue staying at a Type-8 government bungalow after stepping down. However, since the allotment process is still pending, he will remain at the Chautala residence temporarily.
Dhankhar’s long absence from public appearances after his resignation sparked a political row. The Opposition had raised concerns, even accusing the government of placing him under a form of “house arrest.” On August 9, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament, asking directly whether the former Vice President was under any form of surveillance or detention. The government had dismissed such claims at the time, terming them baseless. Despite these allegations, sources close to Dhankhar maintained that he had been spending time quietly with his family, away from political activity, focusing on personal well-being. Reports suggest that he has been keeping himself engaged with yoga, table tennis, and reading during this period.
The decision to move to Abhay Chautala’s farmhouse is not surprising, given Dhankhar’s long-standing ties with the Chautala family. Their association dates back nearly four decades, when Chaudhary Devi Lal, Haryana’s tall Jat leader and then Chief Minister, spotted the potential in a young lawyer from Rajasthan Jagdeep Dhankhar. In 1989, Devi Lal publicly described Dhankhar as a leader of the future. Dhankhar, who considered Devi Lal his political mentor, stood firmly by him throughout his career. During that period, Dhankhar played a crucial role in mobilizing support for Devi Lal. For instance, during Devi Lal’s birthday celebrations at Delhi’s Boat Club, Dhankhar arranged nearly 500 vehicles from Rajasthan to bring supporters to the rally. This helped cement his position in the political mainstream. Later that year, when Devi Lal contested the Lok Sabha elections, he ensured Dhankhar was fielded from Jhunjhunu constituency in Rajasthan. With Devi Lal himself campaigning for him, Dhankhar secured a victory and entered Parliament.
Following the 1989 elections, Devi Lal became Deputy Prime Minister in V.P. Singh’s government, and Dhankhar was appointed as a Minister. However, when V.P. Singh dismissed Devi Lal from the cabinet amid political differences, Dhankhar displayed his loyalty by resigning from his ministerial post in protest. This act of solidarity highlighted the deep-rooted bond between Dhankhar and the Chautala family a relationship that continues even today, as seen in his decision to move into Abhay Chautala’s farmhouse.
Dhankhar, who was elected as India’s 14th Vice President in August 2022, had a term extending until August 10, 2027. His sudden resignation last month came as a surprise to many, especially given that he still had two years left in office. Citing health concerns, he announced his decision on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Since then, Dhankhar has largely stayed away from public life, fueling speculation and political chatter. His relocation to Chhatarpur may now provide him with a quieter environment as he recovers and contemplates his next steps.
While Dhankhar has not made any public statement about his political future, his close ties with veteran leaders and his image as a loyalist to his mentors keep him a respected figure in political circles. The Opposition’s questions regarding his health and absence from public view may continue to linger, but his move from the official Vice Presidential residence to the Chautala farmhouse brings some clarity to his immediate circumstances. For now, Jagdeep Dhankhar is expected to stay at Abhay Chautala’s farmhouse until the government allocates him a Type-8 bungalow, a residence traditionally reserved for former Vice Presidents. Until then, the 72-year-old leader is expected to focus on his health, family, and personal interests, while keeping a relatively low profile in the political sphere.
