Dhankhar's Resignation & New V-P Election Ahead

Some Opposition figures have speculated that Dhankhar's resignation is linked to internal tensions within the BJP.

- TDG NETWORK

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar shocked the political establishment by announcing his resignation on July 21, 2025. In a letter addressed to the President of India, he cited health concerns and said he was stepping down with immediate effect. The announcement came late in the evening and was shared through the official Vice President's social media account.

The resignation was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu the next day. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification formalizing the acceptance and creating an immediate vacancy. This marks only the third resignation by a Vice President in India's history.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged Dhankhar's service and wished him good health, but Opposition leaders expressed skepticism. Congress's Jairam Ramesh called the resignation "as shocking as it is inexplicable," noting that Dhankhar had shown no visible signs of illness during parliamentary meetings held just hours earlier.

Several Opposition leaders raised Dhankhar's tenure, with some urging him to reconsider. Many expressed doubt that health alone was the reason for stepping down. Speculation swirled that political pressure or internal rifts might have influenced the decision.

Just before his resignation, Dhankhar had accepted a motion targeting a controversial judge—sparking friction with sections of the ruling party. Some political insiders hinted that the move was a preemptive exit to avoid being sidelined.

Despite the dramatic nature of the resignation, constitutional protocol was followed smoothly. Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh presided over the Rajya Sabha the next day and informed the House of the vacancy.

Constitutional Provisions and Process

According to the Indian Constitution, a Vice President may resign by submitting a letter to the President. Once accepted, the office becomes vacant immediately.

1. The Vice President of India serves as: