New Delhi, July 22, 2025: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on Monday evening, citing health reasons. He handed his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu under Article 67(a) of the Constitution. The decision came unexpectedly on the first day of the Monsoon Session, creating a political stir.

Dhankhar said he needed to focus on his health and follow doctors’ advice. In his farewell note, he thanked President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and lawmakers across party lines for their support. He added that he had always worked with “commitment to the Constitution and democratic values.”

However, the timing of his resignation has raised questions. Recently, Dhankhar accepted an Opposition notice on Justice Yashwant Varma, a move that reportedly displeased sections of the government. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh suggested the exit reflected “more than just health concerns.” Thus, speculation about internal friction continues to grow.

Until a new Vice President takes charge, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh will preside over the Rajya Sabha. The Election Commission will soon announce the schedule for the next election. Notably, the new Vice President will serve a full five-year term.

This is the third mid-term resignation by a Vice President in India’s history, after V.V. Giri in 1969 and R. Venkataraman in 1987.

Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA is expected to have an advantage in the upcoming election. Potential candidates include senior ministers, governors, and former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu. As a result, the political spotlight has shifted toward the ruling alliance’s choice.

Dhankhar’s sudden exit has triggered fresh political maneuvering in New Delhi. Over the coming weeks, the Election Commission will finalize dates, parties will declare their candidates, and the race for the second-highest office will begin.