Indian VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns Citing Health Reasons, Brings Curtain Down on Decades-Long Public Life

Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation on Monday, bringing an end to his tenure citing health concerns and on medical advice. 

The resignation, addressed to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, is effective immediately under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution.

Image Source: CA Abhishek Rawal on X

Dhankhar, 74, wrote in his resignation letter that he was stepping down “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice.” He expressed deep gratitude to the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and members of Parliament, calling his time in office “a true honour” during what he described as a transformative era for the country.

“As I leave this esteemed office, I am filled with pride in Bharat’s global rise and phenomenal achievements,” Dhankhar wrote, closing his letter with “deepest respect and gratitude.”

A Distinguished Career Across Legal and Political Arenas 

Born in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district in 1951, Dhankhar rose from humble roots to become a senior advocate, parliamentarian, governor, and eventually the 14th Vice President of India. A product of Sainik School and the University of Rajasthan, he practiced constitutional law at the Supreme Court for decades and became one of Rajasthan’s most prominent legal voices.

Dhankhar’s political career saw multiple party affiliations — from Janata Dal and Congress to finally settling with the BJP in 2003. He served as an MP in the 9th Lok Sabha (1989–1991), later as an MLA in Rajasthan, and also held a ministerial post in the Chandra Shekhar government.

In 2019, he was appointed the Governor of West Bengal, where his frequent clashes with the Mamata Banerjee government drew national attention. The Trinamool Congress even dubbed him the “real opposition”, while his critics accused him of breaching constitutional decorum.

Vice Presidency and Contentious Final Years

Elected Vice President in 2022 with a historic margin, Dhankhar’s tenure in Rashtrapati Bhavan was marked by frequent confrontations with the opposition. Most notably, in 2024, the INDIA bloc moved a no-confidence motion against him, alleging partisan conduct. The motion ultimately lapsed, but it highlighted the deeply polarised nature of Dhankhar’s term.

Throughout his term, Dhankhar was a vocal proponent of procedural discipline in the Rajya Sabha and often clashed with opposition parties over disruptions and legislative priorities.

His exit comes at a politically sensitive moment -- just as the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins, with heated debates lined up on Operation Sindoor, terror attacks, and the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

The resignation also leaves a constitutional vacuum, triggering speculation over the Modi government’s choice of successor -- especially with the 2026 general elections less than a year away.

What's Next

Per Article 68 of the Constitution, an election for the new Vice President must be held within six months. Until then, the post remains vacant. Parliamentary experts suggest that the government will seek a candidate who commands wide support — both in terms of political gravitas and legislative stature.

The legacy of Jagdeep Dhankhar will remain one of strong legal foundations, sharp political instincts, and a fiery commitment to his version of constitutional propriety.