Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns—Explained

Under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution, the Vice President was free to resign. Jagdeep Dhankhar, however, showed no hesitation in sending his resignation letter on July 21, 2025, almost three years into a five-year term, citing health reasons, and thereby leaving the second-highest constitutional post of the country vacant. 

The timing seemed to take many by surprise, especially since it was just hours after his presiding over the first session of the Rajya-Sabha in the monsoon Parliament session. Jagdeep Dhankhar had built a persona of being tough, assertive, and sharp in parliamentary conduct. An unusual mention in his letter was a grateful acknowledgement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Murmu, and Members of Parliament. He avoided political comments, rather stressing the essence of health and following medical advice.

With this, the constitutional scheme will be set into motion to elect a new Vice President within six months, a task made even more crucial for the Commission, given an already politically-charged atmosphere.

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Why & When Did He Resign?

Health Issues:

Dhankhar stated the need to “prioritise health care, adhere to medical advice,” calling it Article 67(a). He stated that the growing demands of public life affected his health. This was confirmed by sources close to him that doctors had advised him of continued rest and a reduced work schedule.

History of Medical Care:

Earlier in March, he underwent cardiac care at AIIMS and fainted at university functions after June. He has been restricted in his public appearances over the past two months, having been assessed, apparently on report, for high stress levels and recurrent fatigue.

Timing For Resignation:

He suddenly quits on Day 1 of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, just minutes after completing the opening session of Rajya Sabha. Parliamentarians across party lines woke to find the announcement on Sunday morning. Political analysts called the timing “symbolic,” in that he devoted himself completely until the last moment.

No Political Motive:

A letter that he addressed to the President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and Members of Parliament has no political strategy. There is a tone of humility and appreciation without any attachment to controversy or criticism. Observers therefore noted that the dignified and apolitical tones were consistent with the constitutional spirit of the office.

Constitutional Provisions for Resignation-

Article 67(a):

Specifically, the Vice President may resign at any time during a term by delivering to the President a writing under his hand. There is no specification as to its form and length, and this provision contemplates simple, dignified exit for one of the highest offices in the land.

Immediate Effect:

Once accepted by the President, the resignation takes effect without Parliament’s approval. There is no need for any debate, vote, or resolution in either House. Thus ensures a swift and disruption-free transition of constitutional responsibilities.

No Formality Needed:

The Constitution does not stipulate any conditions-resignation is a completely personal decision. Prior notice is not required, nor are reasons laid down for resignation. Such reflects the intent of the framers to maintain the dignity and independence of the office.

Who Will Chair the Rajya Sabha Next?

• The Deputy Chairman Intervenes: The Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh will act as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha according to Article 91.
• Non-stop Proceedings: With Harivansh in the chair, all parliamentary work was freed from obstruction.
• Harivansh is also being talked about: He is also being discussed as a candidate for the vice-presidential election.

How Is the Next Vice President Elected?

• Article 68(2): Vacancy ought to be filled, in normal circumstances, within six months, whenever possible. 
• Constitutional Rules: The Vice-President (Elections) Rules, 1974, and the Representation of the People Act provide the legal framework for the conduct. 
• Electoral College: All elected and nominated Members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha cast votes. 
• Voting System: Voting is by way of Secret Ballot system with Single Transferable Vote (STV). 
• Fresh Term: The new Vice President will serve a fresh five-year term irrespective of the tenure left behind by the predecessor. The elections should be conducted before September 19, 2025.

Is a Mid-Term Resignation a Novelty?

Such rare occasions; Dhankhar is the only third Vice President in Indian history to resign before the term ends.

A few other instances:

• V. V. Giri (1969): Resigned to run for the presidency.
• R. Venkataraman (1987): Resigned to contest the presidential elections. Stand-out aspect: Purely for these reasons of health, Dhankhar is the first man to resign and not, mind you, for political aspirational reasons.

Roles & Powers Affected-

Rajya Sabha Chairmanship:

Harivansh Narayan Singh shall hold office until a new Vice President is sworn in. As Deputy Chairman, he has previously conducted House proceedings in the absence of the VP. He will be instrumental in keeping order and continuity during the Monsoon Session.

Presidential Duties Unaffected:

The vacancy only affects the Vice President’s and Chair’s duties for the Rajya Sabha. The President of India continues to perform all constitutional duties uninterruptedly. The two offices do not impinge upon one another in terms of legal authority and succession.

No Acting Vice President:

The Constitution does not provide an acting Vice President; the duties are shifted according to parliamentary rules. Until a vice president is chosen, this function is temporarily assigned to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha. This way, the legislative functioning can proceed smoothly and not infringe upon the constitutional framework.

Continued Governance:

Legislative work and parliamentary protocol continue without hindrance.
There exists no constitutional vacuum since an immediate procedure would come into being to fill the temporary void. This acknowledges the durability and resilience of the Indian parliamentary system.

Political and Organisational Responses-

• The NDA’s position: The NDA is expected to finalise shortly a nominee among governors, senior MPs, or perhaps itself, Harivansh.
• Opposition Opinion: Mixed responses-possibly on considerations of health; some questions were raised on the suddenness of the timing.
• Institutions praised for being stable: Constitutional experts appreciate the resilience of India’s institutional architecture in handling such transitions.

Final Takeaway-

The letter of Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation must draw attention to the significance of personal health while reaffirming the resilience and adaptability of the Indian constitutional order. The voyage of his resignation–its voluntary operation (Article-67(a)), thereafter the provision of interim arrangements in the hands of Harivansh (Article 91), and further election (Articles 63-71 and election rules)–by demonstrating that the transformation in the Vice Presidency can work smoothly even in the mainstream of such unexpected developments. Maintaining the decorum of a Parliament in place, a fresh Vice President would be welcomed by the Indian state by September 2025, ensuring greater democratic continuity.

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