Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, 74, has resigned from his post, citing medical advice and the need to prioritise his health. In a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar stated that his resignation would take effect immediately, citing Article 67(a) of the Constitution. His resignation came late in the evening, after he had officiated a full working day in the Rajya Sabha, where he administered the oath of office to eight new members.
“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately,” his letter read. In the note, he extended gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for her unwavering support and the cooperative working relationship they maintained throughout his tenure.
Dhankhar also expressed deep appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers, stating their cooperation had been “invaluable” and that he had learned much during his time in office.
His health has been a concern in recent months. In March, he was admitted to the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences due to cardiac-related issues. Last month, he fainted during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Kumaon University, further raising concerns about his well-being.
Jagdeep Dhankhar assumed office in August 2022, after defeating the Opposition candidate Margaret Alva. He succeeded Venkaiah Naidu and still had nearly two years left in his tenure. He is now the third Vice President in India’s history to resign before completing his term. Prior to him, VV Giri resigned in 1969 to contest the Presidential election, and R Venkataraman stepped down in 1987 after being elected President.
An advocate-turned-politician, Dhankhar drew national attention during his tenure as the Governor of West Bengal, known for frequent high-decibel confrontations with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He was regarded as a vocal and visible representative of the Centre in the state.
Upon his nomination as Vice President, Prime Minister Modi had described him as a “Kisan Putra” with deep knowledge of the Constitution and legislative procedure, expressing confidence in his ability to guide the Rajya Sabha effectively.
