Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice President of India, resigned from his position late Monday evening, citing health-related concerns and the need to follow medical advice. His resignation comes into effect immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution of India.

In a heartfelt resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, the 74-year-old stated, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.”

The resignation coincided with the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, during which Dhankhar, who also served as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, administered the oath of office to eight newly elected members earlier in the day.

A note from the Vice President’s secretariat read: “In case a vacancy arises by reasons of death, resignation or removal or otherwise, the election to fill that vacancy is held as soon as possible after the occurrence. The person so elected is entitled to hold office for a full term of 5 years from the date he enters office.”

Thanks and Reflections in Resignation Letter

Expressing deep appreciation, Dhankhar thanked President Murmu for her “unwavering support” and praised their “soothing and wonderful working relationship.” He also extended heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Council of Ministers, and all Members of Parliament.

“I have learned much during my time in office. The warmth, trust, and affection I received from all Hon’ble Members of Parliament will remain etched in my memory,” he wrote.

PM Modi Calls Dhankhar a “Kisan Putra”

On the occasion of his nomination, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the tenure of the leader dubbed “Kisan putra” will be “excellent, inspiring”.

“Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has excellent knowledge of our Constitution. He is also well-versed with legislative affairs. I am sure that he will be an outstanding Chair in the Rajya Sabha & guide the proceedings of the House with the aim of furthering national progress,” he had posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Witness to a Transformative Era

Reflecting on his time in office, Dhankhar said it was a privilege to witness India’s “remarkable economic progress” and “unprecedented exponential development.” He expressed “unwavering confidence” in Bharat’s future, calling the nation’s global rise “phenomenal.”

The resignation came on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, shortly after Dhankhar administered the oath to eight new Rajya Sabha members. As Vice President, he also served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Dhankhar’s Tenure and Political Journey

Dhankhar took office as Vice President in August 2022, with a term set to end in 2027. Before this, he served as the Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022), where his often tense interactions with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee drew national attention.

A seasoned advocate-turned-politician, Dhankhar was also praised by Prime Minister Modi during his nomination for his deep constitutional knowledge and legislative experience. Modi had described him as a “Kisan Putra” (farmer’s son) and envisioned his term as “excellent and inspiring.”

Third Vice President to Resign Before Term End

With his departure, Dhankhar becomes only the third Vice President in Indian history to resign before completing his term, following VV Giri in 1969 and R Venkataraman in 1987.

According to a note from the Vice President’s Secretariat, an election to fill the vacancy will be conducted as soon as possible, with the elected individual entitled to a full five-year term from the date of assuming office.