From Vajpayee to Bose: 14 Resignations That Sent Shockwaves Through Indian Politics
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In Indian politics, resignations are more than just formal exits - they are acts that often signal rebellion, protest, or strategic recalibration. From moral accountability to ideological differences, some resignations have changed the course of political history. Let’s revisit 14 such powerful moments when Indian political leaders stepped down - and shook the very foundation of governance.
1. Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Sudden Exit (2025)
On July 21, 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned citing health concerns. Though brief, the move stirred nationwide speculation about the political undercurrents behind his decision.
2. TR Raja Singh’s Protest Resignation (2025)
BJP MLA TR Raja Singh quit the party in June 2025, voicing dissatisfaction over internal appointments. His departure highlighted ongoing unrest within party ranks.
3. Arvind Kejriwal ’s 49-Day Gamble (2014)
Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal resigned just 49 days after taking office, protesting the delay of the Jan Lokpal Bill. The move transformed him into a symbol of anti-corruption activism.
4. LK Advani’s Pakistan Controversy Fallout (2005)
LK Advani stepped down as BJP president after facing backlash for his comments on Pakistan’s founder Jinnah during a visit. The episode exposed deep rifts within party leadership.
5. Atal Bihari Vajpayee ’s Two Resignations (1996 & 1977)
In 1996, Vajpayee resigned as Prime Minister after a 13-day term due to lack of majority. Earlier, ideological differences during the Janata Party era prompted him to break away, eventually leading to the formation of the BJP.
6. VP Singh Quits Over Bofors Scandal (1987)
As Defence Minister, VP Singh resigned amid the Bofors arms deal controversy. This bold move propelled him to the forefront of Indian politics and paved the way for his prime ministership.
7. Indira Gandhi’s Fall After Emergency (1977)
Following her party’s massive defeat post-Emergency, Indira Gandhi resigned as Prime Minister. It marked the end of Congress's uninterrupted dominance and a dramatic shift in public sentiment.
8. Chandra Shekhar’s Dual Resignations (1975 & 1991
He first exited the Congress in 1975 over differences with leadership, and later, resigned as Prime Minister in 1991 amidst political instability and a weakening coalition.
9. Mohan Dharia’s Emergency Stand (1975)
Union Minister Mohan Dharia resigned in protest against the suspension of civil liberties during the Emergency—an act that reflected his commitment to democratic values.
10. VV Giri’s Presidential Bid (1969)
Vice President VV Giri resigned to contest the Presidential election after the demise of Zakir Husain. With backing from Indira Gandhi, he won - altering the power dynamics within the Congress.
11. Morarji Desai’s Exit Over Policy Clashes (1963)
Finance Minister Morarji Desai resigned due to ideological disagreements with Prime Minister Nehru. He would later return as India’s Prime Minister post-Emergency.
12. K Kamaraj’s Visionary Move (1963)
Under the self-initiated Kamaraj Plan, he stepped down as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister to encourage senior Congress leaders to do the same - aimed at rejuvenating the party’s central leadership.
13. Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Moral Benchmark (1956)
After a tragic rail accident, Railway Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri offered his resignation, taking full moral responsibility. His gesture set a new standard for political accountability in India.
14. Subhas Chandra Bose’s Ideological Exit (1939)
Clashing with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision, Bose resigned as Congress President in 1939. He later led the Azad Hind movement, becoming a symbol of uncompromising nationalism.
These resignations were not mere bureaucratic events - they were defining political moments. Whether motivated by ideology, accountability, or power struggles, each exit left an indelible impact on India’s political journey. In a country where leadership is often measured by how long one stays in power, these leaders proved that sometimes, stepping down is the most powerful step forward.
1. Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Sudden Exit (2025)
On July 21, 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned citing health concerns. Though brief, the move stirred nationwide speculation about the political undercurrents behind his decision.
2. TR Raja Singh’s Protest Resignation (2025)
BJP MLA TR Raja Singh quit the party in June 2025, voicing dissatisfaction over internal appointments. His departure highlighted ongoing unrest within party ranks.
3. Arvind Kejriwal ’s 49-Day Gamble (2014)
Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal resigned just 49 days after taking office, protesting the delay of the Jan Lokpal Bill. The move transformed him into a symbol of anti-corruption activism.
4. LK Advani’s Pakistan Controversy Fallout (2005)
LK Advani stepped down as BJP president after facing backlash for his comments on Pakistan’s founder Jinnah during a visit. The episode exposed deep rifts within party leadership.
5. Atal Bihari Vajpayee ’s Two Resignations (1996 & 1977)
In 1996, Vajpayee resigned as Prime Minister after a 13-day term due to lack of majority. Earlier, ideological differences during the Janata Party era prompted him to break away, eventually leading to the formation of the BJP.
6. VP Singh Quits Over Bofors Scandal (1987)
As Defence Minister, VP Singh resigned amid the Bofors arms deal controversy. This bold move propelled him to the forefront of Indian politics and paved the way for his prime ministership.
7. Indira Gandhi’s Fall After Emergency (1977)
Following her party’s massive defeat post-Emergency, Indira Gandhi resigned as Prime Minister. It marked the end of Congress's uninterrupted dominance and a dramatic shift in public sentiment.
8. Chandra Shekhar’s Dual Resignations (1975 & 1991
He first exited the Congress in 1975 over differences with leadership, and later, resigned as Prime Minister in 1991 amidst political instability and a weakening coalition.
9. Mohan Dharia’s Emergency Stand (1975)
Union Minister Mohan Dharia resigned in protest against the suspension of civil liberties during the Emergency—an act that reflected his commitment to democratic values.
10. VV Giri’s Presidential Bid (1969)
Vice President VV Giri resigned to contest the Presidential election after the demise of Zakir Husain. With backing from Indira Gandhi, he won - altering the power dynamics within the Congress.
11. Morarji Desai’s Exit Over Policy Clashes (1963)
Finance Minister Morarji Desai resigned due to ideological disagreements with Prime Minister Nehru. He would later return as India’s Prime Minister post-Emergency.
12. K Kamaraj’s Visionary Move (1963)
Under the self-initiated Kamaraj Plan, he stepped down as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister to encourage senior Congress leaders to do the same - aimed at rejuvenating the party’s central leadership.
13. Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Moral Benchmark (1956)
After a tragic rail accident, Railway Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri offered his resignation, taking full moral responsibility. His gesture set a new standard for political accountability in India.
14. Subhas Chandra Bose’s Ideological Exit (1939)
Clashing with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision, Bose resigned as Congress President in 1939. He later led the Azad Hind movement, becoming a symbol of uncompromising nationalism.
These resignations were not mere bureaucratic events - they were defining political moments. Whether motivated by ideology, accountability, or power struggles, each exit left an indelible impact on India’s political journey. In a country where leadership is often measured by how long one stays in power, these leaders proved that sometimes, stepping down is the most powerful step forward.
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