Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns as Vice President, Citing Health Reasons

Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned as India's Vice President, citing health reasons, effective immediately. Dhankhar served as the 14th Vice President since August 2022 and was due to complete his term in August 2027. He previously served as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019-2022. His resignation came hours after presiding over the first day of the Monsoon session in Parliament.

In a surprise move, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned from his post, citing health reasons, effective immediately. Dhankhar served as the 14th Vice President since August 2022 and was due to complete his term in August 2027. His resignation came hours after presiding over the first day of the Monsoon session in Parliament [1].

Dhankhar, who was 74 years old, underwent a cardiac procedure in March but continued to maintain a demanding public schedule. His resignation letter, expressing gratitude to key figures, has not yet been accepted by President Droupadi Murmu [2].

The Constitution of India is silent on the succession of the Vice-President, but during a vacancy, the Deputy Chairperson or a Rajya Sabha member authorized by the President discharges the Vice-President's duties as Rajya Sabha Chairperson [1]. This means that the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, will temporarily assume the role of the Vice-President until a new Vice-President is appointed.

Dhankhar's resignation has sparked reactions, with the Congress party urging him to reconsider and seeking government clarification in Parliament. The party hinted at underlying complexities beyond health reasons, suggesting that Dhankhar's resignation might be politically motivated [2].

Dhankhar's tenure was marked by his outspoken nature and often combative style, particularly in his role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He was known for his vocal stance on the separation of powers between the judiciary and the legislature [3].

This unexpected resignation has added a layer of uncertainty to the political landscape in India. As the country navigates through the Monsoon session, the focus will now shift to the appointment of a new Vice-President.

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/who-will-become-the-next-vice-president-of-india-after-jagdeep-dhankhars-resignation/articleshow/122819189.cms
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/vice-president-jagdeep-dhankhar-resigns-citing-health-reasons-on-day-1-of-monsoon-session/articleshow/122821703.cms
[3] https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/confrontation-not-the-essence-of-politics-vice-president-jagdeep-dhankhar-resigns-hours-after-his-final-sitting-as-rajya-sabha-chairman/3922310/