In a stunning turn of events, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation late last night, citing health issues and the need to follow medical advice. The announcement came just ten days after he had publicly indicated his intention to serve out his full term, which ends in August 2027 — unless, as he had cryptically noted, there was “divine intervention”.

Speaking at an event at Jawaharlal Nehru University on July 10, Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar had said, “I will retire at the right time, August 2027, subject to divine intervention.“ At the time, the remark appeared to be more philosophical than literal. But now, it appears to have been a subtle prelude to what would soon follow.

In his official resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu — also shared on the soccial media— Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar stated:
“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.”

Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as Vice President, citing health concerns and the need to follow medical advice. In his resignation letter, he stated that he was stepping down with immediate effect in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution to prioritise his well-being. Dhankhar also expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, acknowledging her constant support and the cordial relationship they shared throughout his tenure.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency, the Honourable President of India, for her unwavering support and the soothing, wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure,” he wrote. His sudden resignation has sent ripples across the political landscape, especially as it came just ten days after he had expressed confidence in completing his term. Dhankhar’s exit marks the end of an assertive and sometimes controversial stint as Vice President, during which he frequently locked horns with the Opposition and voiced strong opinions on the judiciary and constitutional balance.

Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers, noting that their cooperation had been “invaluable” and that he had gained a great deal from his experience in office. He made special mention of the affection and warmth he received from Members of Parliament, which he said would remain deeply etched in his memory.

Jagdeep Dhankhar Had Varied Political Career.

 

Jagdeep Dhankhar served nearly three years in the nation’s second-highest constitutional position. His term was marked by frequent confrontations with the Opposition and pointed critiques of the judiciary, particularly regarding issues of separation of powers. His assertive stance on various constitutional matters drew both praise and criticism from different quarters.

Before becoming Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar had a long and varied political career. Born into a farming family in Rajasthan, he began his professional life as a lawyer in the Rajasthan High Court. He entered politics in the late 1980s and initially associated with the Congress. However, he later joined the BJP and served as a minister in the short-lived Chandra Shekhar government.

Jagdeep Dhankhar also held positions as a Member of Parliament, a Member of the Legislative Assembly, and served as the Governor of West Bengal — a post in which Jagdeep Dhankhar had several high-profile run-ins with the state government.

His resignation has created a vacuum in the top echelons of Indian politics and triggered speculation about potential successors. While the government has yet to announce the next steps formally, political circles are already abuzz with discussions.

As India waits for the appointment of the next Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected exit .