Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. File | Photo credit: PTI
People should rise above their ego and hatred and seek a happy life, former Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Saturday (February 28, 2026). Mr Dhankhar made the remarks in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain after visiting the Mahakaleshwar temple, a day after he said in Rajasthan that he never claimed to be ill when he resigned from his post in July 2025.
“We should rise above ego, hatred, revenge and jealousy and pray for the good health and happiness of all. I prayed for the progress and prosperity of our country,” Mr. Dhankhar said in an interview to news agency ANI.
“I come from a farming background. The sacrifice of our farmers and army personnel towards our country is immense and we will always remain grateful to them… I pray for everyone’s well-being,” Mr Dhankhar added.
The country is experiencing a positive transformation, he said, praising the development of religious sites.
“India is undergoing a significant positive transformation that reflects a mindset that has been cultivated for thousands of years. The progress that has been made in religious fields is remarkable. I am very impressed by the simplicity, facility and perseverance of the administration here (in Ujjain),” he told IANS, adding that everyone is treated equally.
The former Rajya Sabha chairman’s remarks carry significance as he appears to have broken his months-long silence since his surprise resignation as the Vice President of India on July 21, 2025, while Parliament was in session. His decision to quit with more than two years left in his term fueled speculation, with opposition leaders claiming tension with the Union government.
“They say the first happiness is a healthy body. I never neglected my health. When I said I was resigning, I never said I was sick. I said I prioritized my health,” Mr Dhankhar said on Friday (February 27, 2026) in Chur, Rajasthan.
During his tenure as the Vice President of India and before that as the Governor of West Bengal, Mr. Dhankhar has been known to speak his mind, often creating political speculation and also facing criticism from a section of the opposition.
Published – 28 Feb 2026 19:24 IST
