Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation on Monday, citing health concerns, with two years remaining in his term. His resignation was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu and accepted by Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution.
The development sets in motion the constitutional process to elect a new Vice President, who also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Legal experts confirmed there is no disruption in legislative proceedings, as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha will assume Dhankhar’s duties until a successor is elected within the next six months.
Dhankhar, 73, had been hospitalised multiple times in the past year, most recently in Nainital, though the nature of his illness remains undisclosed. His decision marks a rare mid-term resignation from the Vice Presidency, but one that the Constitution accounts for.
In a letter addressed to the President, Dhankhar said the decision was based on medical advice and prioritising his health. He expressed gratitude to the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Members of Parliament for their support during his tenure.
The resignation has not caused any constitutional vacuum, with experts underlining that the leadership in the Upper House remains stable due to the presence of an active Deputy Chairman. “There is no constitutional crisis. The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha will preside over sessions as per protocol,” said constitutional expert and Supreme Court lawyer Virag Gupta.
Born on May 18, 1951, in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, Dhankhar began his public life as a lawyer before entering politics. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1989, served as a minister in the Chandra Shekhar government, and later as a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. In 2019, he was appointed Governor of West Bengal, where his tenure was marked by frequent clashes with the state government.
Nominated by the BJP-led NDA, Dhankhar won the Vice Presidential election in August 2022 by a record margin, defeating opposition candidate Margaret Alva with 528 votes out of 710.
During his time as Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar presided over key legislative sessions and played a procedural role in Parliament’s functioning. His departure is being seen as a significant moment in the political calendar, but experts maintain that the institutional framework ensures seamless transition.
As the election for a new Vice President is expected to be scheduled soon, political attention turns to possible successors. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha is set to continue functioning under the stewardship of its Deputy Chairman, reinforcing the strength and continuity of India’s constitutional order.
