Jagdeep Dhankhar resigns as Vice President on Day 1 of Monsoon session, cites health concerns

In a surprise announcement, Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as the Vice President of India on Monday, "to prioritise healthcare". Having served in the role since 2022, the 74-year-old made the announcement after chairing the first day of the Monsoon Session as Rajya Sabha Chairman.

By tendering his resignation, Jagdeep Dhankhar became the seventh Vice President to not complete the full five-year term.

"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," Dhankhar said in a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu. The letter was released by the Vice President's Office.

Under Article 67 of the Constitution, which deals with the term of office of the Vice President, the Deputy Chairman will manage the day-to-day affairs until a new Vice-President is



elected. On the other hand, Article 67(a) says that before the expiry of his term, the Vice-President may resign by submitting his resignation to the President in writing.

Thanking President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhankhar wrote, "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. I express my deep gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the esteemed Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister's cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office."

Earlier this year, in March, Dhankhar was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences after experiencing uneasiness and chest pain. Last month, he fainted after stepping down from the dais while attending a programme at Nainital University.