Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has resigned from his post at the age of 74, citing medical reasons. In a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, he stated that his resignation is effective immediately “to prioritize health care and abide by medical advice,” in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution.
Despite a full day of official duties in the Rajya Sabha, where he administered the oath to eight new members, the Vice-President. submitted his resignation late in the evening. In his farewell note, he expressed gratitude to the President, the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers, highlighting the “valuable cooperation” and learning experience during his tenure.
Dhankhar has faced health challenges in recent months — he was hospitalized in March for cardiac-related ailments and fainted during an event at Kumaon University in June.
Elected as Vice President in 2022, he succeeded Venkaiah Naidu, defeating Opposition candidate Margaret Alva. He had two years remaining in his term. Known for his tenure as Governor of West Bengal, Dhankhar often made headlines due to his confrontational stance with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
He becomes the third Vice President in India’s history to resign before completing a full term, following VV Giri (1969) and R Venkataraman (1987), both of whom resigned to contest the presidency.
Following his resignation, an election will be held within six months to fill the vacant post. The Vice President’s Secretariat confirmed that the new appointee will serve a full five-year term from the date of assuming office.
