New Delhi Jul 21: Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Monday submitted his resignation, citing health-related issues, making history as the first person to vacate the post before completing the designated five-year term.
The resignation comes with nearly two years left in his tenure.
Dhankhar, who took office in August 2022 following a decisive win in the Vice-Presidential elections, tendered his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu on July 21. In his resignation letter, he referenced Article 67(a) of the Constitution of India, which permits a Vice President to step down voluntarily.
Constitutional Implications and Next Steps
Experts note that Dhankhar’s resignation will set in motion the constitutional process for electing a new Vice President. Given that the Vice President also functions as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the vacancy cannot remain unfilled for long.
Political analysts suggest that the election to appoint a successor will be conducted promptly to maintain continuity in the upper house of Parliament.
Ongoing Health Concerns
Over the past year, Dhankhar had been hospitalized on several occasions due to health complications, including a recent admission in Nainital. However, specific details regarding his medical condition have not been made public.
From Humble Beginnings to Constitutional Heights
Born on May 18, 1951, in the village of Kithana in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, Jagdeep Dhankhar came from modest roots and was often described as a “Kisan Putra” (son of a farmer). He completed his schooling at Sainik School in Chittorgarh and went on to earn a B.Sc. and an LLB from the University of Rajasthan.
He began practicing law in 1979 and was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Rajasthan High Court in 1990. Dhankhar also practiced before the Supreme Court and led the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association as its president.
Political Journey
Dhankhar entered active politics in 1989, winning a seat in the Lok Sabha from Jhunjhunu as a Janata Dal candidate. He served as the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the Chandra Shekhar-led government between 1990 and 1991. From 1993 to 1998, he represented the Kishangarh constituency in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.
In July 2019, he was appointed Governor of West Bengal. His tenure was marked by repeated confrontations with the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress government.
Vice-Presidential Tenure
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominated Dhankhar for the Vice President’s post on July 16, 2022. He filed his nomination on July 18 and won the election held on August 6 with a record-breaking 528 votes out of 710, defeating opposition candidate Margaret Alva, who managed only 182. The Trinamool Congress had abstained from voting.
During his time as Vice President, Dhankhar also served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, overseeing critical legislative proceedings and upholding parliamentary decorum.
Legacy and Impact
With his resignation, Jagdeep Dhankhar leaves behind a legacy marked by his deep legal acumen, constitutional fidelity, and firm stance on democratic processes. His tenure will continue to influence discussions on the Vice President’s role in India’s political and legislative landscape. (Edited)
Full text of Vice President Dhankhar’s resignation letter
Respected Rashtrapati ji,
To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the 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.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigns from post, cites health issues pic.twitter.com/JiMrx8mQxG
— IANS (@ians_india) July 21, 2025
I express my deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the esteemed Council of Ministers. Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office.
The warmth, trust, and affection I have received from all the Hon’ble Members of Parliament would ever be cherished at and embedded in my memory.
I am deeply thankful for the invaluable experiences and insights I have gained as Vice President in our great democracy.
It has been a privilege and satisfaction to witness and partake in India’s remarkable economic progress and unprecedented exponential development during this significant period. Serving in this transformative era of our nation’s history has been a true honour.
As I leave this esteemed office, I am filled with pride in Bharat’s global rise and phenomenal achievements and hold unwavering confidence in her brilliant future.
