In a surprising political turn, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation on Monday evening, citing health reasons. The announcement came after a highly charged first day of the Monsoon Session in the Rajya Sabha, which he chaired.
Dhankhar, 74, submitted his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, stating, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately.” The move comes shortly after he underwent an angioplasty procedure at AIIMS Delhi.
Earlier that day, Dhankhar presided over several key proceedings in the Upper House. Among them was the presentation of an opposition-sponsored motion seeking the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, following the discovery of burnt currency bundles at the judge’s residence. The Vice President acknowledged the motion in the Rajya Sabha and directed the Secretary-General to initiate due process.
He also administered oaths to newly elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and led a Business Advisory Committee meeting. Notably, his office had also confirmed his upcoming visit to Jaipur on July 23, 2025, where he was to interact with CREDAI Rajasthan members at Rambagh Palace.
The Congress party expressed shock at his resignation, calling it “completely unexpected” and hinting that the situation may be more complex than it appears on the surface.
In his farewell note, Dhankhar reflected on his tenure with pride: “It has been a privilege to witness and contribute to India’s rapid economic rise and transformative development. Serving during this historic period has been an honour.”
Just weeks ago, during an event at Jawaharlal Nehru University, he had jokingly remarked, “I will retire at the right time, August 2027, subject to divine intervention.” His official term was set to conclude on August 10, 2027.
Before assuming the Vice Presidency in 2022 as the NDA candidate, Dhankhar had served as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022. His departure makes him only the third Vice President in Indian history—after VV Giri and R. Venkataraman—to resign while in office. However, unlike his predecessors, Dhankhar’s exit was not to contest the presidency.
According to constitutional procedure, a new Vice President must be elected within six months. In the interim, the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman will oversee proceedings in the Upper House.
