New Delhi, July 21 — Jagdeep Dhankhar, the 14th Vice President of India, resigned from office on Monday, citing health concerns. His resignation, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu under Article 67(a) of the Constitution, makes him the first Vice President in Indian history to voluntarily step down before completing the five-year term. Dhankhar had nearly two years remaining in office.
Dhankhar, who assumed the Vice Presidency in August 2022 after a record-breaking victory over opposition candidate Margaret Alva, was also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. His departure now sets into motion the constitutional process to elect a new Vice President, a role deemed vital for the smooth functioning of the Upper House.
In his resignation letter, Dhankhar expressed gratitude to the President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and Members of Parliament for their support and affection. “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign,” he wrote, reflecting on his tenure with pride and appreciation.
A seasoned politician and legal expert, Dhankhar began his career as an advocate and was later elected to the Lok Sabha from Jhunjhunu in 1989. He served as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the Chandra Shekhar government and later as an MLA in Rajasthan. From 2019 to 2022, he served as Governor of West Bengal, often clashing with the state government.
Known for his deep legal acumen and assertive style, Dhankhar’s tenure saw active engagement in parliamentary debates and governance matters.
His resignation, though unexpected, is being met with respect and concern across political circles. The Election Commission is now expected to announce a timeline for electing his successor to ensure constitutional continuity at the highest levels of Indian governance.
