VP Dhankhar resigns citing health grounds

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, 74, resigned on Monday, citing health grounds, in an unprecedented and unexpected move that came after he presided over the first day of the monsoon session in the Rajya Sabha.

- Saubhadra Chatterji

In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar said, "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution." "I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency - the Hon'ble President of India for her unwavering support and the soothing wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure," Dhankhar's resignation letter added.

The government did not immediately respond to Dhankhar's resignation, which, people familiar with the matter said, is unlikely to have come as a surprise to it.

After Dhankhar's resignation is accepted by the President, the Election Commission of India will notify a fresh election for the second-highest post of the country. Only the MPs of both Houses are eligible to vote for the selection of the next VP.

Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh will be in charge of the House unless the President asks Dhankhar to continue.

According to officials, Harivansh is expected to preside over the Rajya Sabha for the remaining term of the monsoon session.

The timing of the resignation surprised many as the VP had planned a meeting of the business advisory committee on Tuesday.