NEW DELHI: Jagdeep Dhankhar, the 14th Vice President of India, tendered his resignation on Monday, citing health reasons, becoming the first Vice President in Indian history to voluntarily step down before the completion of his five-year term.
His resignation comes with two years still remaining in office.
Dhankhar, who assumed office in August 2022 after a sweeping victory in the Vice-Presidential election, sent his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu on Monday, July 21.
In his letter, he invoked Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution, which provides for the resignation of the Vice President.
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation will now trigger the constitutional process to elect a new Vice President of India, say experts. Since the Vice President also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the post cannot remain vacant for long, experts added.
According to political observers, there is a strong likelihood that the election of Dhankhar’s successor will be held soon, as mandated by the Constitution to ensure continuity in the functioning of the upper house of Parliament.
Born on May 18, 1951, in Kithana village, Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, Jagdeep Dhankhar rose from humble beginnings as a “Kisan Putra” (farmer’s son) to hold some of the highest constitutional offices in India. He completed his schooling at Sainik School, Chittorgarh, and graduated with a B.Sc. followed by an LLB from the University of Rajasthan.