New Delhi, July22,2025:
Jagdeep Dhankhar Resignation: A Nation in Shock
Jagdeep Dhankhar Resignation from the post of Vice President of India has left the country stunned. On Monday, Dhankhar submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, citing deteriorating health as the primary reason.
In his resignation letter, Dhankhar invoked Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution, stating,
“I hereby resign from the office of the Vice President of India with immediate effect, prioritizing my health.”
This unexpected decision cuts short a tenure that began in August 2022 and was supposed to continue until 2027. At 74 years old, Dhankhar had been actively serving as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the second-highest constitutional authority in India.
What the Constitution Says About Vice President Resignation
The Indian Constitution outlines the process and eligibility of the Vice President under Articles 63 to 71. The election is governed by the Vice-President (Election) Rules, 1974.
According to Article 67(a):
“The Vice President may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the President.”
With the position now vacant, Article 68(2) mandates that:
“An election to fill a vacancy caused by resignation shall be held as soon as possible.”
Therefore, the Election Commission is now constitutionally required to initiate the process for electing a new Vice President without delay.
How Will the New Vice President Be Chosen?
The process to elect the next Vice President is outlined in Article 66 of the Constitution:
- The Vice President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
- The election is conducted through proportional representation using the single transferable vote method.
- Voting is done through a secret ballot, ensuring confidentiality.
According to the Election Commission’s standard procedure, the election should be completed within 60 days from the vacancy arising.
Who Takes Charge Until the Next Vice President?
This is one of the most discussed aspects following the Jagdeep Dhankhar resignation.
While the Constitution defines the roles and responsibilities of the Vice President, it does not explicitly mention an acting Vice President if the position becomes vacant before term completion.
However, since the Vice President also acts as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the role may be temporarily performed by:
- The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, or
- A member of the Rajya Sabha authorized by the President of India
Importantly, there is no constitutional provision for an “Acting Vice President” — only the duties are delegated until a new Vice President is elected.
Constitutional Duties of the Vice President
The Vice President holds a pivotal role in India’s constitutional framework. Key responsibilities include:
- Serving as the second-highest constitutional authority after the President
- Acting as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, presiding over its sessions
- Taking over as Acting President in case of:
- Death of the President
- Resignation or removal of the President
- Incapacitation of the President
The Vice President serves a five-year term but remains in office until a new Vice President is elected and assumes charge.
During any presidential vacancy or inability, the Vice President exercises all powers and duties of the President.
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Political Journey
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation marks the end of a remarkable political and legal career that spanned over four decades.
Early Life and Education
- Born on May 18, 1951, in Kithana village, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan
- Educated at Sainik School, Chittorgarh
- Completed B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics from Maharaja College, Jaipur
- Earned an LL.B. degree from Rajasthan University
Legal Career
- Began legal practice in 1979
- Became a member of the Rajasthan Bar Council
- Designated as a Senior Advocate by the Rajasthan High Court in 1990
- Appeared regularly in the Supreme Court
Political Career
- Entered politics in 1989, elected as MP from Jhunjhunu on a Janata Dal ticket (supported by BJP)
- Served as Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs (1990–1991)
- Joined the Congress party in 1991; contested from Ajmer but lost
- Joined BJP in 2003; served as MLA from Kishangarh (1993–1998)
- Appointed as Governor of West Bengal in 2019
- Elected as Vice President of India in August 2022
Dhankhar’s political versatility and legal expertise were widely acknowledged across party lines.
Public and Political Reaction to the Resignation
The Jagdeep Dhankhar resignation has triggered a wide array of responses across political parties, media, and the general public.
President Droupadi Murmu acknowledged his contribution and accepted the resignation formally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his consistent efforts in upholding the dignity of the Vice President’s office and for maintaining harmony in the Rajya Sabha.
Opposition leaders expressed surprise at the sudden announcement. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor wished him good health and a speedy recovery. Tharoor tweeted,
“Though we differ politically, I respect Mr. Dhankhar’s decision and wish him speedy recovery.”
What Happens Next?
Following the Jagdeep Dhankhar resignation, several immediate and long-term steps are expected:
- The Election Commission will soon announce the schedule for electing a new Vice President.
- The election must be held within 60 days, as per standard practice.
- Political parties are expected to begin discussions and lobbying for potential candidates.
- In the meantime, duties of the Vice President (mainly related to the Rajya Sabha) will be managed by the Deputy Chairman or a nominated member.
The political spotlight now turns to who the ruling party and opposition will propose for this critical constitutional role.
The Jagdeep Dhankhar resignation underscores the fragility of public life and the weight of constitutional responsibility. While his sudden exit leaves a temporary vacuum at the highest echelons of Indian democracy, the constitutional machinery is well-equipped to handle such situations.
With the Vice President’s chair vacant, the focus now shifts to the upcoming election, the potential candidates, and the political calculations behind the scenes.
India, as the world’s largest democracy, has weathered such constitutional changes in the past — and will do so again with resilience and respect for due process.
