Just hours after presiding over the Rajya Sabha, Vice President Dhankhar resigns, prompting reactions from across the political spectrum and questions about the timing.
BY PC Bureau
July 21, 2025 | New Delhi
In a development that caught political circles off guard, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation on Monday, citing health concerns and the need to follow medical advice. The 74-year-old constitutional head stepped down shortly after presiding over the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
“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,” read a statement from the Vice President’s Secretariat.
Dhankhar, who took office in August 2022 after a decisive electoral victory as the NDA nominee, was known for his assertive conduct in the Upper House and frequent face-offs with opposition benches. His sudden exit leaves a critical constitutional post vacant during a politically sensitive session, and just months ahead of the 2026 Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections.
Political Reactions Pour In
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Dhankhar’s resignation a “moment of deep gratitude,” highlighting the Vice President’s “steadfast commitment to constitutional values” and “graceful conduct in public life.”
“Jagdeep ji has been a guardian of parliamentary decorum and democratic debate. His health comes first. I wish him a strong recovery,” Modi said in a social media post.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also responded, saying, “We hope Vice President Dhankhar recovers soon. We had our political differences, but we respect his long-standing service to the nation.” However, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called for “transparency” around the health disclosure, noting that Dhankhar chaired the House session just hours earlier “with no apparent discomfort.”
TMC MP Derek O’Brien described the resignation as “unusual and abrupt” and questioned the timing. “This Parliament session was expected to be heated, with multiple bills on civil liberties, electoral reforms, and federalism. The timing will raise eyebrows,” he said.
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Meanwhile, former President Ram Nath Kovind said he was “shocked” but respected Dhankhar’s decision. “He has always been a man of conviction,” Kovind said.
Who Will Take Charge?
As per Article 65 of the Constitution, President Droupadi Murmu may appoint a member of the Rajya Sabha to perform the duties of the Vice President until a formal election is conducted. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi confirmed that a provisional arrangement will be in place “very soon.”
The Election Commission is expected to announce a Vice Presidential election schedule shortly. Sources within the BJP said internal deliberations had already begun, with a preference for a candidate who brings “balance and calm” to the Rajya Sabha.
A Brief Yet Eventful Tenure
A former Governor of West Bengal and a Jat leader from Rajasthan, Dhankhar brought legal acumen and strong oratory to the Vice Presidency. He played a visible role in streamlining procedural efficiency in the Rajya Sabha and often emphasized “cooperative federalism” and “constitutional nationalism.” However, critics accused him of being partial to the ruling party and undermining the independence of the Chair.
His resignation comes at a time when the Opposition is rallying against the government over alleged misuse of investigative agencies, electoral bond irregularities, and recent communal tensions in multiple states.
Speculation Swirls
Despite the official reason being health, political analysts point to Dhankhar’s recent low-profile and reportedly growing discomfort with some of the government’s legislative priorities, including the proposed Uniform Civil Code and the reconfiguration of Rajya Sabha Standing Committees. Some even speculate that internal party dynamics may have played a role.
“No one resigns from a constitutional post unless the reasons are compelling — health or otherwise. The nation deserves clarity,” said political commentator Yogendra Yadav.
Next Steps
The resignation letter has been formally submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, and officials confirmed it has been accepted. All engagements on Dhankhar’s official calendar, including events during the Monsoon Session, stand cancelled. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat has initiated the process of transferring responsibilities.
As India watches this rare mid-term resignation of a sitting Vice President, questions loom not just over Dhankhar’s health but over the larger political and constitutional implications it may have in a pre-election year.
