New Delhi: The Vice President’s office fell vacant on Tuesday after President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who stepped down citing health concerns. The development was formally conveyed during Rajya Sabha proceedings, marking an unexpected shift in the country’s top constitutional positions.
BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, who was chairing the House, informed members that the Ministry of Home Affairs had communicated Dhankhar’s resignation under Article 67(a) of the Constitution with immediate effect. The letter of resignation has already been forwarded to the MHA, and an official notification is expected soon.
The announcement came a day after Dhankhar submitted his resignation to the President on July 21 — the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. While no official medical details have been shared, sources say he had been hospitalised multiple times over the past year, most recently in Nainital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to Dhankhar on social media platform X, writing: “Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.”
Dhankhar’s sudden exit has drawn questions from the Opposition, with several leaders expressing concern over the timing and lack of clarity surrounding his departure.
A seasoned legal mind and former Governor of West Bengal, Dhankhar assumed office as the 14th Vice President in August 2022 after defeating Opposition candidate Margaret Alva in a one-sided contest. He secured 528 out of 710 valid votes — a commanding 74.37% — the highest margin since 1992.
During his tenure, he also served as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Known for his strict adherence to parliamentary norms and procedural discipline, Dhankhar’s role in managing debates and legislative business earned both appreciation and criticism from across the political spectrum.
With his resignation, the constitutional machinery to elect a new Vice President is expected to be activated soon. Experts point out that the position, being vital to the functioning of the Upper House, cannot remain unfilled for long.
The Election Commission is likely to announce the schedule for the Vice Presidential election in the coming days.
