In a significant political development, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday, citing health concerns as the primary reason. His resignation, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, is effective immediately, in line with Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, who assumed office in August 2022 and was expected to serve until 2027, stepped down just as the Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced. The 74-year-old had recently undergone angioplasty at AIIMS Delhi, and his decision appears to follow continued medical advice.
Reacting to the resignation, Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal expressed a deep sense of respect for Dhankhar. “We should accept his reason of stepping down due to health grounds and move forward,” Sibal said. “I personally did not feel good hearing the news. He was someone with whom I shared cordial ties, even if our political ideologies differed.”
Sibal praised Dhankhar’s integrity, noting that he always spoke his mind. “There was no bitterness. When I requested more time to speak in the Rajya Sabha, he would grant it without hesitation,” he added. Describing Dhankhar as a nationalist and patriot, Sibal said the former Vice President genuinely wanted constructive dialogue between the opposition and the ruling party to uplift India’s global standing.
Dhankhar’s tenure as Rajya Sabha chairman was marked by numerous confrontations with the opposition. Notably, it included the first-ever attempt to impeach a sitting Vice President in independent India—an unprecedented motion that was eventually dismissed by Deputy Chairman Harivansh.
Despite political turbulence, Dhankhar maintained a reputation for transparency and a willingness to engage across party lines. His departure brings an unexpected shift in the country’s upper house leadership during a crucial session of Parliament.
