Date of Resignation: July 21, 2025
Effective Immediately under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution.
What Happened
- Vice‑President Jagdeep Dhankhar, aged 74, submitted his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu on July 21, 2025, invoking Article 67(a), which allows a written resignation to the President.
- His departure comes amid concerns over his health, following a recent cardiac hospitalisation in March and a fainting spell in June.
Resignation Letter Highlights
- Dhankhar stated: “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately.”
- He expressed profound gratitude toward President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Council of Ministers, and members of Parliament for their support and cooperation.
Political Impact & Reaction
- This marks only the third mid‑term resignation of an Indian Vice‑President, cutting short his term, which was due to end in 2027.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh suggested there might be “more than meets the eye”, stirring national debate about the suddenness of the decision The Times of India.
What Happens Next
- Until a new Vice‑President is elected, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh will preside over the Rajya Sabha.
- The Election Commission of India will soon announce the schedule for the earlier-than-planned Vice‑Presidential election.
About Jagdeep Dhankhar
- A seasoned lawyer turned politician, Dhankhar previously served as the Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022) and Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha
- Elected as India’s 14th Vice‑President in August 2022, he simultaneously held the office of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
Health Context
- He was admitted to AIIMS in March for a heart-related ailment and stayed under observation for several days
- In June, he fainted during a public function at Kumaon University, raising renewed concerns about his health Indiatimes.
Summary
- Resignation Date: July 21, 2025 (effective immediately)
- Reason Cited: Health concerns, per medical advice, using Article 67(a)
- Interim Governance: Deputy Chairman will chair the Rajya Sabha
- Next Steps: The Election Commission will initiate the early election process
- Legacy: A distinguished legal and political career, cut short by health
This marks an unexpected turn in Indian polity as the search for the next Vice‑President begins.
