New Delhi – In a surprising development, Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has tendered his resignation with immediate effect, citing health reasons. The resignation was formally submitted to President Droupadi Murmu earlier today. Dhankhar stated in his letter that he has been facing health issues for the past few months and, on the advice of doctors, has decided to prioritize his treatment and personal well-being.
The resignation has taken the political establishment by surprise, triggering a wave of reactions from leaders across party lines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Dhankhar’s tenure as impactful and wished him good health. Leaders of the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) also praised his conduct in office and extended best wishes for his future.
Dhankhar, who was elected as the 14th Vice President of India in August 2022, defeated opposition candidate Margaret Alva by a significant margin, securing 528 out of 725 votes. His tenure, though brief, was marked by firm handling of Rajya Sabha proceedings, a strong emphasis on parliamentary discipline, and occasionally stern remarks directed at both opposition and the government. His leadership style often drew attention and sparked debates.
In his resignation letter, Dhankhar wrote:
“Honourable President, for the sake of my health and in adherence to my doctors’ advice, I hereby resign from the office of Vice President under Article 67(a) of the Constitution. I am deeply grateful to the President of India for her unwavering support and to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet for their invaluable cooperation. I will forever cherish the affection and trust shown by the Members of Parliament. It has been an honour to serve this great democracy and to witness India’s historic phase of economic transformation and rapid development. Though I step down today, my heart is filled with pride and firm faith in India’s glorious future.”
A lawyer by profession and former Governor of West Bengal, Dhankhar hailed from a farmer’s family and held several significant positions within the BJP. His sudden exit has left a notable void in the constitutional setup.
According to constitutional procedure, the Election Commission is expected to announce the schedule for the Vice Presidential election in the coming days. The election will be conducted by members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha voting together. With Parliament’s monsoon session currently underway, filling the constitutional vacancy will be a top priority.
In the interim, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is expected to preside over the House. Sources suggest that the Election Commission may initiate the election process within the next two weeks to ensure minimal disruption.
Despite the brevity of his tenure, Jagdeep Dhankhar’s role in guiding parliamentary debates and asserting procedural discipline has left a lasting impression. The nation now awaits the announcement of candidates by the ruling BJP and the opposition for the crucial constitutional post.
