New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday tendered his resignation from office, citing health-related concerns. The resignation letter was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, marking an unexpected development on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Dhankhar also expressed gratitude to both the President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve in the high constitutional office.
Elected as the 14th Vice President of India on July 16, 2022, Dhankhar’s tenure was scheduled to conclude in 2027. His resignation, particularly as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, has taken political circles by surprise and triggered widespread speculation regarding possible underlying reasons.
While health concerns were cited as the official cause, several political leaders have hinted at potential political motives behind the move. Analysts have also suggested that a strong, undisclosed factor may have influenced the decision.
Political Career Highlights
Jagdeep Dhankhar began his parliamentary career in 1989 as a Janata Dal MP from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, in the 9th Lok Sabha. In 1991, he joined the Indian National Congress and contested the Ajmer Lok Sabha seat but was defeated. He later served as an MLA from Kishangarh and was a member of the 10th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from 1993 to 1998.
In 1998, Dhankhar again contested from Jhunjhunu but finished third. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2003 and was part of the party’s campaign committee during the 2008 Rajasthan Assembly elections.
From 2019 to 2022, Dhankhar served as the Governor of West Bengal, a tenure noted for his frequent confrontations with the state government. His elevation to the Vice Presidency in 2022 positioned him as a key figure in national politics.
The sudden resignation has left a vacancy in one of the highest constitutional posts in the country, and the government is yet to announce the next course of action.