Life After Power: Jagdeep Dhankhar Turns to Yoga, OTT Thrillers and Family Land Projects as Silence Grows Around Ex-Vice President

Jaipur/New Delhi, August 26, 2025 – Former Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has been away from the spotlight since his sudden resignation on July 21, 2025. Once a regular face in Parliament, known for his sharp remarks and strong interventions, Dhankhar now spends his days in yoga sessions, light sports, and binge-watching legal dramas on streaming platforms. His wife, Sudesh Dhankhar, meanwhile, has been frequently seen in Jaipur, personally monitoring the family’s real estate projects.

From Rajya Sabha Chair to Private Quietness

Dhankhar’s exit created shockwaves in political circles. He was seen as a vocal and assertive Vice President, often clashing with opposition leaders during debates. The resignation letter cited “health reasons.” Since that day, he has avoided public appearances and even skipped the corridors of the Rajya Sabha enclave attached to his official residence.

The contrast is stark. The man who once presided over fiery debates in the Upper House now spends long stretches of the day in silence, surrounded only by close family members and a few trusted staff.

A New Daily Routine: Yoga, Walks, and Table-Tennis

According to staff members, Dhankhar’s mornings begin with yoga. A personal instructor arrives daily, guiding him through stretches and breathing exercises. These sessions last around an hour. They are followed by a simple breakfast and light reading.

In the evenings, the 74-year-old former Vice President heads to a small indoor facility within his residence. There, he plays table-tennis to keep himself active. For a man who has spent decades in law, politics, and governance, the new schedule reflects a search for physical balance and calmness.

Security officials note that Dhankhar has deliberately cut down on public outings. Even his movements within Delhi are now rare and discreet.

OTT Shows: From “The Lincoln Lawyer” to “House of Cards”

One major pastime that fills his time is OTT entertainment. With a strong background in law, Dhankhar is naturally drawn to courtroom dramas and political thrillers. He has reportedly watched “The Lincoln Lawyer”, a series where a lawyer handles cases while working out of his car. He also revisits “House of Cards”, a political thriller exploring power games, betrayal, and ambition.

These shows, close to his personal interests in law and politics, offer him both escape and reflection. Those close to him say that he often discusses the storylines with family members, linking them to real-life experiences from his long public career.

Sudesh Dhankhar’s Road Trips to Jaipur

While Jagdeep Dhankhar stays in Delhi, his wife has taken an active role in the family’s real estate projects in Jaipur. Over the past month, Sudesh has made at least three visits to the Pink City. Unlike before, she now avoids government vehicles. Instead, she uses a new family car for these road trips.

The visits are connected to two major commercial constructions on land owned by Sudesh and their daughter, Kamna Vajpayee. The projects are located on New Sanganer Road, a prime location near Jaipur airport.

Details of the Construction Projects

The two commercial buildings have received approval from the Jaipur Development Authority. The first project, on an area of 3,668 sq m, was cleared in April 2023. The second, measuring 3,693 sq m, was approved in February 2024.

Each building is designed to include two basements, a ground floor, and eight upper floors. Workers at the sites say the spaces will most likely be used for offices and retail establishments once construction is completed.

A temporary office has already been set up at one of the sites. Locals point out a signboard that earlier read “Kamna Farmhouse”, named after their daughter. The name has since been changed, but memories of the earlier sign still remain in the locality.

A Family Affair: Daughter’s Role

The Dhankhars’ only daughter, Kamna Vajpayee, has also been closely involved. Living in Gurgaon, Kamna makes regular visits to her parents in Delhi and also travels to Jaipur when needed. Staff members say her presence is a source of comfort for her father, who spends most of his time indoors.

Her active involvement in the Jaipur projects indicates a larger family plan—transforming ancestral farmland into long-term commercial properties. Locals say the project has already changed traffic patterns in the area, with construction vehicles moving in and out daily.

Political Reactions to Dhankhar’s Absence

The sudden silence from Dhankhar has created speculation in political circles. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Congress party, commented:

“There is a big story about why he resigned… And then there’s a story about why he is in hiding… Suddenly, the person who used to burst forth in the Rajya Sabha has gone… completely silent.”

On the other hand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed the rumours. He said:

“Dhankhar ji was sitting in a constitutional post and, during his tenure, he did good work according to the Constitution. He has resigned due to personal health problems. One should not try to stretch it too much and find something.”

This mix of speculation and reassurance continues to dominate political conversations. Many believe that health is indeed the reason for his withdrawal. Others suspect deeper political disagreements behind closed doors.

Packing Up, Waiting for a New Bungalow

Soon after his resignation, Dhankhar and his wife began packing their belongings at the Vice-Presidential residence. Staff members recall that the process started the very next morning, coinciding with the beginning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The family is now waiting for the allotment of a new bungalow in Delhi. Under protocol, Dhankhar is entitled to a government residence, an official car, escort car, and security cover for life. For now, he continues to live in temporary quarters, maintaining a low profile until the new arrangement is finalised.

A Life Shift: From Power to Privacy

Friends of the Dhankhar family say the shift has been dramatic. Only a month ago, he held one of the highest constitutional posts in India. Every word of his carried political weight. Now, his days are filled with private activities—yoga, TV shows, and family discussions.

For many leaders, retirement from public life comes gradually. For Dhankhar, it arrived suddenly, with a single resignation letter. The transformation highlights the personal side of politics, where public responsibilities can be replaced overnight by private living.

The Bigger Picture

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s current lifestyle paints a unique picture of post-power life in India. While most former leaders remain visible at public functions, Dhankhar has chosen distance. His absence fuels debates in Delhi, even as his family quietly focuses on property development in Rajasthan.

The story of an ex-Vice President now spending his time with yoga mats, table-tennis paddles, and OTT thrillers is a reminder that even the highest offices cannot shield anyone from the realities of age, health, and family obligations.