Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned from his post on Monday evening. Citing health reasons, he submitted his resignation to President Draupadi Murmu, leaving the field open for the selection of a new Vice President candidate.
In his resignation letter, Dhankhar wrote, "To prioritize healthcare and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67 (a) of the Constitution."
The move took the BJP-led NDA by surprise. The resignation came on the first day of monsoon session of Parliament. NDA holds majority in the vice-presidential electoral college, which comprises members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. NDA will have to discuss possible candidates in the following days, likely from the current governors, Union ministers in power, and senior leaders from the party.
Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice PresidentJagdeep Dhankhar, aged 74 years, was elected to the post of Vice-President in August 2022. Being the Vice-President, Dhankhar also held the position of Chairman of Rajya Sabha. He was to hold office till 2027.
Before serving as the Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar was the Governor of West Bengal. His three-year term in the office as VP saw various confrontations with the opposition leaders in Rajya Sabha. The remarks very often even concerned the ruling party.
A BJP leader, while talking to PTI, said, "We are still processing it. But I believe the party will choose someone who is a solid choice and is non-controversial."
As of now, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, a Janata Dal (United) MP, is being considered a frontrunner for the post. He has been the Deputy Chairman since 2020 and is considered trustworthy for the Government.
Jagdeep Dhankhar is the third Vice President of India to resign during his tenure, after VV Giri and R Venkatraman. However, both the former VPs had resigned to contest for the presidential elections.
The government will have to choose the next Vice President within 6 months from now. Till then, the Deputy Chairman will conduct the proceedings of Rajya Sabha.