Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice President of India, resigned from his position on Monday evening, attributing his decision to health concerns and medical advice. His resignation letter was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, with immediate effect.

The move came unexpectedly, just hours after Dhankhar presided over the first day of the Monsoon session in the Rajya Sabha—a day marked by heightened political activity.

Why did Jagdeep Dhankhar resign as Vice President?

Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from the post of Vice President of India on Monday, July 21, 2025, citing health reasons. In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, he stated:

“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately.”

The resignation took political circles by surprise, especially as his term was set to continue until August 2027. Sources confirmed that Mr Dhankhar had recently undergone angioplasty at AIIMS, Delhi.

What happened earlier on the day of his resignation?

The day of his resignation, also the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament, was particularly eventful for Mr Dhankhar in his role as Rajya Sabha Chairman. He:

  • Chaired the House proceedings for the Monsoon session's first day.
  • Received and formally acknowledged a notice seeking the removal of High Court Justice Yashwant Varma over the recent cash recovery scandal.
  • Directed the Secretary General of Rajya Sabha to take “necessary steps” on the motion.
  • Administered oaths to newly elected and nominated Rajya Sabha members.
  • Presided over a crucial meeting of the Rajya Sabha Business Advisory Committee.
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Was Jagdeep Dhankhar expected to resign?

No, the resignation was unexpected. Just weeks earlier, during a speech at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Mr Dhankhar had joked:

“I will retire at the right time — August 2027 — subject to divine intervention.”

His decision has prompted political speculation, with the Congress calling it “totally unexpected” and suggesting there could be “more than meets the eye” behind the move.

Also read: With Dhankhar's resignation, who will take over as the next Vice President of India?

Did the Vice President have any official engagements scheduled?

Yes. According to a government release issued earlier on Monday (at 3:53 pm), Mr Dhankhar was scheduled to travel to Jaipur on July 23. The agenda included a meeting with newly elected committee members of CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India) Rajasthan at Rambagh Palace.

His abrupt resignation, therefore, came despite pre-scheduled engagements, adding to the intrigue.

What did Jagdeep Dhankhar say in his resignation letter?

In his resignation letter, Dhankhar expressed gratitude for his time in office, stating:

“It has been a privilege and satisfaction to witness and partake in India’s remarkable economic progress and unprecedented exponential development during this significant period… Serving in this transformative era of our nation’s history has been a true honour.”

What is Jagdeep Dhankhar’s political background?

Before becoming Vice President in August 2022, Dhankhar served as Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022). He was nominated by the BJP-led NDA and elected with significant support.

Known for being outspoken and assertive, especially in matters concerning the judiciary, Mr Dhankhar was one of the more publicly active Vice Presidents in recent memory.

Is Dhankhar the first Vice President to resign mid-term?

No, but his resignation is rare. He becomes the third Vice President in Indian history to step down before completing his term. The other two were:

  • VV Giri (resigned to contest the Presidential election in 1969)
  • R Venkataraman (resigned for the same reason in 1984)

Dhankhar’s resignation, however, is not tied to political advancement — at least officially — but attributed to medical advice.

What happens now after the Vice President’s resignation?

According to the rules, a new Vice President must be elected within six months. Until then, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can preside over its proceedings.

The resignation sets in motion a constitutional process for succession, while also raising political chatter over what might follow.