Nadda Explains Absence From BAC Meeting: The Vice-President’s Office Notified, Meanwhile Rijiju Resigns. Amidst the resignation, Nadda gives context.
NEW DELHI—22 July 2025: BJP President J.P. Nadda has clarified today that the Vice President’s office was indeed informed about his and Kiren Rijiju’s absence from the important BAC meeting of the Rajya Sabha, which had met under the chairmanship of Jagdeep Dhankhar. Nadda came with the clarification after Dhankhar had resigned on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons. Questions were subsequently raised by the Opposition as to why the ministers were absent from the BAC meeting chaired by him.
Controversy Surrounds Meeting Absence
The BAC meeting convened by the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Monday evening was to consider the legislative agenda of the current Monsoon Session of Parliament. However, both J.P. Nadda, who is also the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, and Kiren Rijiju were absent from this second sitting of BAC on Monday. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had criticized the absence vehemently and had suggested “far deeper reasons” behind Dhankhar’s rumored resignation, claiming that the Vice-President “took umbrage” at the no-show.
Nadda’s Statement and the Position of the Union Government
“Due intimation was provided to the vice president’s office,” said Nadda while addressing reporters today. He further stressed that the government is ready to discuss any issue raised by the Opposition within the framework of parliamentary conduct. Union Minister L. Murugan represented the government at the 4:30 PM BAC meeting in the absence of Nadda and Rijiju, calling for the meeting to be reconvened.
PM Modi Holds Meet as Monsoon Session Begins
Context of the Vice President’s Resignation
Jagdeep Dhankhar filed his resignation with President Droupadi Murmu on Monday, stating medical grounds with immediate effect. The resignation has led to much speculation, especially considering the timing of it, amid the first day of the Monsoon Session and the incident surrounding the BAC meeting. In August 2022, Dhankhar was elected vice president.
Role of the Business Advisory Committee
The Business Advisory Committee plays a very important role in the Indian Parliament, recommending the allocation of time for government legislative and other business in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. As the vice president chairing the Rajya Sabha, he, in all respects, presides over BAC meetings. Thus, the presence of the key government functionaries, such as the Leader of the House and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, is significant to carry on any business in Parliament without any hiccups.
Political Reactions and Chapter Ahead
While the government insists that the correct method was followed concerning the ministers’ absence, the Opposition, particularly the Congress, continues to demand a full explanation of Dhankhar’s rapid departure. These developments announce the return to political theater within a few days of the commencement of the Monsoon Session, full of dynamics and challenges.
