NEW DELHI, India – July 21, 2025
Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns – In a significant and sudden political development, Jagdeep Dhankhar, the 14th Vice President of India, today tendered his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, citing health issues and the need to prioritize medical advice. His resignation, effective immediately, comes just as the crucial Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced, triggering an urgent constitutional process to elect a new Vice President.
Dhankhar, 74, who assumed office in August 2022, was constitutionally slated to complete his five-year term in 2027. His mid-term departure marks only the third such instance in India’s history, making this a rare event in the nation’s democratic journey.
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“To Prioritise Health Care”: The Reason Behind the Resignation
In his resignation letter, addressed to President Murmu and invoking Article 67(a) of the Constitution, Mr. Dhankhar stated: “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately.”
While the exact nature of his ongoing health issues has not been publicly disclosed, reports indicate that the Vice President had been hospitalized multiple times over the past year for undisclosed medical concerns. His decision underscores the profound personal sacrifices required by those in India’s highest constitutional offices.
A Career of Distinction: From “Kisan Putra” to Vice President
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s political journey has been remarkable. Born on May 18, 1951, in Kithana village, Rajasthan, he rose from humble beginnings as a “Kisan Putra” (farmer’s son) to become a distinguished lawyer, a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), and the Governor of West Bengal before ascending to the Vice Presidency.
As Vice President, he also served as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament. During his tenure, he was known for his firm yet polite conduct in the Chair and his strong advocacy for parliamentary decorum. His resignation today occurred just hours after he addressed the Rajya Sabha, raising several pertinent issues, including an impeachment motion against a high court judge and even an incident involving unclaimed cash found under a seat in the House.
What Happens Next? The Constitutional Mandate for a New Election
The immediate vacancy of the Vice President’s post, a critical constitutional office second only to the President, will now set in motion the process for a new election.
- Constitutional Mandate: The Indian Constitution mandates that the vacancy must be filled “as soon as possible.”
- Electoral College: The Vice President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) through a secret ballot using a system of proportional representation. This electoral college currently consists of 788 MPs.
- Role of Election Commission: The Election Commission of India will now initiate the process, issuing a formal notification and timeline for the election.
- Rajya Sabha Leadership: In the interim, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha will assume the duties of presiding over the Upper House, ensuring continuity in parliamentary proceedings.
This sudden development is expected to trigger swift political consultations among all major parties as they prepare to nominate candidates for this pivotal position. The nation watches keenly as the democratic machinery moves to fill one of its most important offices.
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