Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s birthday wishes to Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday (May 18, 2025) included a pointed criticism of the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of repeatedly ignoring Dhankhar’s passionate appeals for the protesting farmers. Mr. Dhankhar, who also serves as the Rajya Sabha chairman, was sworn in as India’s 14th Vice-President on August 11, 2022, and turned 74 on Sunday.

In a post on X, Mr. Ramesh said, “The irrepressible Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar turns 74 today. While wishing him on this happy occasion, it is regrettable but not surprising that the Modi government continues to disregard his heartfelt pleas on behalf of the agitating farmers.” Earlier this month, Ramesh had referred to Dhankhar’s suggestion that inflation should be considered when providing aid to farmers, questioning why Prime Minister Modi had not acted on it.

Mr. Dhankhar had recommended implementing Direct Benefit Transfer for fertilizer subsidies, similar to the U.S. model, and insisted that inflation be accounted for when offering financial support to farmers, akin to how MPs’ and legislators’ salaries are adjusted.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also extended birthday greetings, saying, “I warmly wish the Vice-President of India and Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji a happy birthday. May he enjoy good health, a long life, and continue his dedication to upholding Parliamentary Democracy.”