50 days after resignation, Dhankhar breaks silence

NEW DELHI: Almost 50 days after his resignation , former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar broke his silence to congratulate his successor C P Radhakrishnan , saying that the office of the VP would attain greater glory with his vast experience.

This was Dhankhar's first public statement since demitting office on July 21 - day one of the monsoon session of Parliament .

In a letter to Radhakrishnan, Dhankhar said, "Heartfelt felicitations on your election as the Vice-President of Bharat, the world's largest democracy and home to one-sixth of humanity." He further said, "Your elevation to this august office reflects the trust and confidence by the representatives of our nation."

Dhankhar said given Radhakrishnan's vast experience in public life, under his stewardship, the office would "certainly attain greater veneration and glory".

In a surprise move, Dha-nkhar had quit as Vice-President on July 21 citing health issues. His sudden resignation led to the fresh polls. However, his silence for the duration prompted opposition parties to raise questions about his "whereabouts".