Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice President of India, has officially resigned from his constitutional post, citing medical reasons and the need to prioritise his health. In the wake of this development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to Dhankhar and publicly acknowledged his contributions to Indian governance and public life.

PM Modi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his sentiments. “Wishing Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji good health and well-being. His service to the nation, especially in the capacity of the Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, has been commendable,” PM Modi said. This public acknowledgment from the Prime Minister comes at a politically sensitive time, given the surprise nature of the resignation.

Vice President Resigns Citing Health Reasons

Jagdeep Dhankhar, aged 74, submitted his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu on Monday evening, with the contents clearly referencing Article 67(a) of the Constitution, which allows a Vice President to resign by submitting a written letter to the President.

"To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately," Dhankhar stated in his letter.

His resignation comes just two years into his term that began in August 2022, which was scheduled to end in August 2027. The timing of his resignation—coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament—has led to considerable political speculation and debate.

Recent Health Concerns

The resignation is understood to stem from a series of recent health issues. Dhankhar had undergone angioplasty at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, earlier this year and was briefly hospitalized in March 2025. Although he was seen participating in parliamentary and public events, his deteriorating health had become a matter of public discussion.

At multiple public functions, he appeared to be visibly fatigued, and concerns were growing among political circles about his ability to continue in office. However, he continued to preside over several critical sessions of the Rajya Sabha, often taking strong positions during debates.

Political Implications and Reactions

The resignation of the Vice President has opened up space for speculation and lobbying within the political sphere. BJP leaders in Bihar have already started pitching Nitish Kumar—the current Chief Minister of Bihar and a longtime ally of the BJP—as a potential candidate for the position.

This has added a new layer of intrigue, given Nitish Kumar’s political history, which includes switching alliances multiple times between the NDA and Opposition blocs.

Meanwhile, the Opposition has reacted sharply to Dhankhar’s resignation, with some leaders suggesting that it may be linked to recent parliamentary controversies. Earlier this year, Dhankhar faced backlash over what was perceived as bias in chairing proceedings, leading to a rare motion to impeach the Vice President, though this was rejected by Deputy Chairman Harivansh.

A Legacy of Assertiveness

During his tenure as Rajya Sabha Chairman, Dhankhar often clashed with Opposition MPs, asserting parliamentary discipline and pushing back on what he described as disruptive behavior. His legal background and prior experience as Governor of West Bengal and Union Minister of State gave him a firm grip on parliamentary procedures.

However, his assertive style also made him a polarising figure, and Opposition parties frequently accused him of showing partisan leanings. The impeachment motion against him—the first such attempt in India’s history—was indicative of the deep mistrust between the Chair and the Opposition during his time in office.

Despite these tensions, Dhankhar continued to fulfill his duties until his resignation, and his contributions were publicly lauded by leaders across party lines once his exit was confirmed.

President Accepts Resignation

President Droupadi Murmu has formally accepted Dhankhar’s resignation, and the notification has been forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs. An official gazette notification is expected shortly.

The resignation also has administrative consequences, as it will trigger the process for election of a new Vice President, an event that typically garners massive media and political attention. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the schedule soon.

Conclusion

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation marks a significant moment in Indian constitutional history, not only because of its sudden nature but also because it comes amid increasing political fluidity and coalition realignments. PM Modi’s respectful acknowledgment of his services and public well-wishes serve to affirm the legacy Dhankhar leaves behind as a public servant who engaged assertively in democratic governance.

As speculation builds over the next Vice Presidential nominee, the political discourse in India is likely to remain charged. Nitish Kumar, Harivansh, and other senior BJP allies could be considered in the race, while the Opposition may field a consensus candidate to mount a symbolic challenge. The weeks ahead are expected to witness rapid developments as India moves to fill the second-highest constitutional office in the country.

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