Jagdeep Dhankar:
The Anatomy of Political Sycophancy
A scathing indictment of how unabashed sycophancy and shameless opportunism can propel an individual to high office, only to be discarded by the very system they served.
Democracy Under Siege
The erosion of constitutional norms
Executive Summary
Jagdeep Dhankar's political career serves as a stark illustration of how unabashed sycophancy and shameless opportunism can propel an individual to high office, even in the absence of substantive talent or genuine public appeal.
His legacy is one of eroding democratic norms, attacking constitutional institutions, and ultimately being discarded by the very system he so fervently served, highlighting the ultimate futility of a career built on bootlicking rather than principle.
1. The Art of Bootlicking: Dhankar's Overt Sycophancy Towards Modi
The "Namaste" Incident: A Groveling Display
Jagdeep Dhankar's tenure as Vice President was frequently punctuated by displays of overt sycophancy towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, none more emblematic than the widely discussed "namaste" incident. During a public event, Dhankar was observed performing an extended and deeply bowed "namaste" to the Prime Minister [^24^][^55^].
This act, far from a simple cultural greeting, was widely perceived as an excessive and groveling display of subservience. The optics of a constitutional authority figure prostrating himself so demonstratively before the head of government sparked considerable controversy and ridicule.
— Jagdeep Dhankar's defense in Rajya Sabha [^24^][^51^]
Modi as "Yugpurush": Deifying the Prime Minister
Beyond physical gestures of obeisance, Dhankar's sycophancy extended to his public pronouncements, most notably his repeated characterization of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "Yugpurush" (man of the era) [^474^][^485^].
The Congress party strongly criticized this comparison, with MP Manickam Tagore stating that Dhankar had "crossed all limits of sycophancy" and that such flattery, especially from a person in his constitutional position, added no value [^474^][^476^].
2. Assault on Democracy: Silencing Dissent and Undermining Institutions
Muzzling the Opposition in Parliament
Jagdeep Dhankar's tenure as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha was marked by numerous accusations from the opposition regarding the muzzling of dissent and the curtailment of their right to speak [^286^][^454^].
Opposition leaders alleged that Dhankar consistently suppressed their freedom of expression through persistent heckling, unwarranted insistence on authentication of their remarks, unfair comments, and the refusal to list issues of public importance for discussion [^454^].
Opposition MPs suspended during Winter Session 2023
An unprecedented number in Indian parliamentary history
Attacking the Judiciary: A Constitutional Authority Oversteps
Dhankar stirred considerable controversy by openly questioning the Supreme Court's 2015 verdict that struck down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act. He labeled the judgment a "glaring instance of severe compromise of parliamentary sovereignty and disregard of the mandate of the people" [^464^].
— Jagdeep Dhankar's characterization of a crucial constitutional provision [^458^]
3. Shameless Opportunism and Lack of Substantive Talent
A Career Built on Loyalty, Not Merit
Jagdeep Dhankar's political ascent appears to be a classic case of a career built more on unwavering loyalty to the ruling dispensation rather than on demonstrable merit or significant independent political achievements.
Quora discussions around his candidacy explicitly mentioned that his appointment sent a message to party members that "the more boot licking you do... the faster you will get lifted on top post" [^433^].
The ladder of political advancement through sycophancy
The "Boot-Licker" Persona: Media and Public Perception
The public and media perception of Jagdeep Dhankar has been overwhelmingly colored by his perceived sycophancy towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earning him the unflattering moniker of a "boot-licker" [^403^].
— Congress MP Manickam Tagore's public rebuke [^385^][^386^]
4. The Non-Sequitur Politician: Relevance Derived Solely from Sycophancy
A Figure Defined by Abnegation, Not Assertion
Jagdeep Dhankar's presence in the upper echelons of Indian politics often appeared perplexing to observers, as he neither commanded a significant independent mass following nor possessed a widely recognized reputation as a profound policy thinker. His political relevance was almost entirely derivative of his capacity to extol Prime Minister Narendra Modi [^403^].
Comparison to Historical Sycophants
A frequently drawn parallel is with Deb Kanta Baruah, a former Congress president during the Emergency era, who became infamous for his declaration that "India is Indira, and Indira is India" [^117^][^118^].
Like Baruah, Dhankar appeared content to be a government mouthpiece, readily echoing the ruling party's lines and attacking its critics, even if it meant compromising the dignity of his high constitutional office.
Historical parallels in political sycophancy
5. The Discardable Douche: Sycophancy's Ultimate Futility
Abrupt Resignation: Health Reasons or Political Expendability?
Jagdeep Dhankar's political career reached an abrupt and somewhat ignominious end with his sudden resignation as Vice President of India in July 2025 [^38^][^39^].
Opposition leaders suggested that there might be "far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye" [^398^]. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh pointed out that the suddenness of his departure was "as shocking as it is inexplicable".
Cardiac Event
Reported in March 2025, but had recovered and maintained hectic schedule
Judicial Notice
Resignation coincided with opposition notice for judge removal
Sudden Timing
No prior indication, caught government off-guard
— RJD MP Sudhakar Singh casting doubt on health reasons [^220^]
6. Trojan Horses of the Government: Eroding Democracy from Within
Dhankar's Role in Weakening Democratic Institutions
Jagdeep Dhankar effectively functioned as a "Trojan Horse" for the government, contributing to the weakening of democratic institutions from within. Instead of upholding the impartiality of his high constitutional office, he often used his position to advance a partisan agenda [^33^][^374^].
As Governor of West Bengal
His tenure was marked by controversies and accusations of overstepping constitutional boundaries, often acting as a spokesperson for the central government rather than an impartial figurehead. He was accused of turning the Raj Bhavan into a "BJP office" [^272^].
As Vice President
His conduct in the Rajya Sabha, where he was accused of "partisan conduct" by the Opposition, leading to an unprecedented motion for his removal, further tarnished the dignity and impartiality of the Chair [^220^][^242^].
— The Wire's assessment of Dhankar's dangerous assault on democratic architecture [^274^]
7. Conclusion: A Legacy of Controversy and Constitutional Concern
Jagdeep Dhankar's career in public office leaves behind a legacy mired in controversy and marked by significant constitutional concern. His tenure was characterized by a consistent pattern of sycophantic behavior towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a blatant disregard for democratic norms, and a willingness to undermine parliamentary procedures and judicial independence [^55^][^374^].
The ultimate irony of his career lies in his apparent dispensability; despite his unwavering bootlicking, he was seemingly cast aside, underscoring the transactional and often ruthless nature of political allegiance [^38^].
Key Takeaways
- Sycophancy as a political strategy ultimately proves futile and self-destructive
- Constitutional offices require individuals of integrity, not partisan loyalists
- Democratic institutions must be protected from within by their custodians
The saga of Jagdeep Dhankar serves as a cautionary narrative about the state of Indian democracy and the urgent need for institutional and cultural reforms to ensure that constitutional offices are occupied by individuals who prioritize the collective good over personal or partisan gain.
The preservation of India's democratic vigor necessitates a recommitment to pluralism, respect for dissent, and unwavering adherence to procedural fairness.