Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday, citing health concerns and the need to prioritize medical care. His resignation, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu and effective immediately, invokes Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution, which allows the Vice President to step down by tendering written notice to the President.
In his resignation letter, Dhankhar expressed gratitude to the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Council of Ministers, and Members of Parliament for their support during his tenure. He highlighted India’s “remarkable economic progress” and “unprecedented exponential development” under his watch, calling it a “privilege” to serve during this transformative period.
Key Details of the Resignation
Reason Cited: Health concerns, though no specific medical condition was disclosed.
Constitutional Provision: Article 67(a) mandates that the Vice President’s resignation must be addressed to the President.
Immediate Effect: Unlike some resignations that allow for a transition period, Dhankhar’s departure is effective immediately.
The resignation triggers a constitutional process to elect a new Vice President within six months. As per Article 68, an election must be conducted by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament. Given the ruling party’s majority, the next Vice President is expected to be from the NDA bloc.
Dhankhar’s Legacy and Tenure
Dhankhar, a former Governor of West Bengal and a seasoned lawyer, assumed office in August 2022. His tenure was marked by:
Strengthening Parliamentary Procedures: He emphasized decorum in the Rajya Sabha, often mediating during heated debates.
Advocacy for Federalism: He frequently highlighted cooperative federalism, engaging with state governments across party lines.
Global Diplomacy: Represented India at multiple international forums, reinforcing India’s stance on strategic autonomy.
While health remains the stated reason, political analysts speculate whether other factors—such as differences with the government or personal considerations—played a role. However, no official sources have corroborated these theories.
Dhankhar’s resignation marks an abrupt but dignified end to his tenure. As India prepares for a new Vice President, the focus shifts to ensuring a smooth transition while acknowledging his contributions to the nation’s democratic fabric.
