New Delhi: In a surprise move, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation on Monday evening, citing health-related reasons. The 74-year-old leader submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, invoking Article 67(a) of the Constitution, stating his decision was taken “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice.”
The development came on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament and caught many by surprise, including staff and Members of Parliament. Dhankhar, who also served as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, had assumed office in August 2022, with his term due to run until August 2027.
President Droupadi Murmu formally accepted the resignation on Tuesday, and the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification confirming that the resignation had taken effect immediately. BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, presiding over the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, announced that the resignation had been accepted by the President and conveyed by the Home Ministry under the relevant constitutional provision.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the outgoing Vice President, acknowledging his long-standing service to the nation. “Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
The abrupt resignation has raised questions within political circles and among parliamentary staff, with several MPs expressing surprise at the suddenness of the decision.