On 21st July 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post. He sent his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, stating that his health condition does not allow him to continue working in such a big role.

This is a big event in Indian politics. It is very rare for a Vice President to leave office before completing the 5-year term. Let’s understand why this is important, what the Constitution says, what the history tells us, and what happens next.

Who Was Jagdeep Dhankhar?

Born: 18 May 1951 in Rajasthan
Education: Bachelor of Science and LLB from Rajasthan University
Profession: Lawyer, Senior Advocate in Supreme Court
Political Career:
- MP (Member of Parliament) from Jhunjhunu (1989)
- Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs (1990)
- Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022)
- Vice President of India (2022–2025)

He was known for his assertive role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and often voiced strong opinions on issues related to governance and federalism.

What Does the Indian Constitution Say?

The Vice President’s role and resignation process are governed by the Constitution of India. Here are the key articles:

Article 63 – The Vice President

States that India shall have a Vice President. It is a constitutional office and is the second-highest post in the country after the President.

Article 66 – Election of Vice President

The election of the Vice President follows a time-tested process rooted in India’s democratic framework since 1952. Every five years, or when needed, the country has smoothly conducted this election through the Parliament.

Article 66 of the Constitution provides for the election by an Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament. Voting takes place using Proportional Representation with Single Transferable Vote (STV) and secret ballot—a system ensuring fair representation.

The process is managed by the Election Commission of India, a constitutionally independent body known for conducting free and fair elections.

The STV system, while complex, is trusted for being inclusive, ensuring that even minority parties’ preferences are considered.

Eligibility: – Citizen of India – At least 35 years of age – Qualified to be a Rajya Sabha member – Not holding any office of profit – The Vice President is elected by the electoral college consisting of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha).

Voting method: Proportional Representation by means of Single Transferable Vote and secret ballot.

Nomination papers must be signed by 20 proposers and 20 seconders, all MPs.

Article 67 – Term, Resignation, and Removal

Past Vice Presidents

1. V.V. Giri (1969)

2. R. Venkataraman (1987) have resigned mid-term, proving the functionality of this article.

3. In 2025, Jagdeep Dhankhar became the first to resign purely for health reasons.

Article 67 outlines that the Vice President: – Serves a 5-year term – Can resign any time by writing to the President – Can be removed by a Rajya Sabha resolution with majority support, agreed to by the Lok Sabha – A 14-day notice must be given before initiating removal.

This article is the sole authority on the resignation or removal of the Vice President. It avoids unnecessary delays or conflicts by placing responsibility clearly.

The resignation clause ensures dignity of office; removal requires bi-cameral agreement, protecting the role from political misuse.

No approval by Parliament is needed for resignation—once the President accepts it, the resignation is final. – The Vice President serves a 5-year term. – May resign anytime by writing to the President. – May also be removed by resolution (passed by Rajya Sabha and agreed by Lok Sabha), but this is rare.

Article 68 – Vacancy and Election

This article has been applied in rare but significant moments in Indian history. It was activated recently in July 2025 after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned.

Article 68 states: – If the office of VP becomes vacant due to resignation, death, or removal, an election must be held as soon as possible. – The newly elected Vice President will serve a full 5-year term, not just the remainder of the previous term.

Managed by the Election Commission, this article ensures there’s no leadership vacuum in the Rajya Sabha.

Trustworthiness: The provision for immediate election ensures parliamentary continuity, and temporary chairmanship is managed constitutionally by the Deputy Chairman.

In this case, Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, will preside until the new VP is elected. – If the office falls vacant due to resignation, death, or removal, a new VP must be elected as soon as possible.

Sources: Constitution of India – Ministry of Law & Justice: https://legislative.gov.in

What Did the Resignation Letter Say?

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation letter said:

“In view of persistent medical advice, I find myself unable to continue discharging the responsibilities of the Vice President of India. It has been an honour beyond words to serve our great Republic.”

This simple, dignified statement reflected humility and respect for public office.

How Did Leaders React?

President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation immediately.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted:
“Salute Dhankhar ji’s dedication to the Constitution and the country. Wishing him a swift and full recovery.”
Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge said:
“Despite political differences, we appreciate his dignified conduct and wish him good health.”

Leaders from across parties showed unity and grace in response, setting an example for democratic conduct.

What Happens After the Resignation?

Interim Arrangement:

The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh, will handle proceedings until a new VP is elected.

Election of New Vice President:

The Election Commission will notify the schedule shortly.
All MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will vote.
Election will be through secret ballot using the Single Transferable Vote system.

This system ensures representation of all political parties and encourages consensus.

List of Vice Presidents of India (Till 2025)

No.	Name	Term	Later Became President?
1	Dr. S. Radhakrishnan	1952–1962	Yes
2	Dr. Zakir Husain	1962–1967	Yes
3	V.V. Giri	1967–1969	Yes (after resignation)
4	Gopal Swarup Pathak	1969–1974	No
5	B.D. Jatti	1974–1979	No (Acting President)
6	Mohammad Hidayatullah	1979–1984	No
7	R. Venkataraman	1984–1987	Yes (after resignation)
8	Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma	1987–1992	Yes
9	K.R. Narayanan	1992–1997	Yes
10	Krishan Kant	1997–2002	No
11	Bhairon Singh Shekhawat	2002–2007	No
12	Hamid Ansari	2007–2017	No (served two terms)
13	M. Venkaiah Naidu	2017–2022	No
14	Jagdeep Dhankhar	2022–2025	No

Sources: Rajya Sabha Archives, PresidentofIndia.nic.in

Is Resignation Common?

Not really. Out of 14 Vice Presidents, only three have resigned before completing their term:

V.V. Giri (1969) – Resigned to contest the Presidential election.
R. Venkataraman (1987) – Resigned to become President.
Jagdeep Dhankhar (2025) – Resigned due to health reasons.

This is the first time a Vice President stepped down due to personal health, without seeking a higher post.

What This Means for Democracy?

This moment highlights a few important things:

The Constitution provides clarity in times of vacancy.
Even sudden resignations do not disrupt governance.
The Electoral and Parliamentary systems remain functional and strong.
Political maturity is seen in respectful reactions from all sides.

In a time when democracies around the world face crises, India’s ability to manage such transitions smoothly sets a global example.

Summary Table

Point	Details
Who Resigned?	Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of India
When?	21 July 2025
Reason	Health issues, as per medical advice
Next Step	Election of new VP by MPs
Temporary Role	Deputy Chairman to conduct Rajya Sabha sessions
Constitution Articles	63, 66, 67, 68
Historical Context	3rd VP to resign before term end

How is the Vice President of India Elected?

The Vice President is elected by the members of both houses of Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — using a system called proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. This means MPs rank candidates in order of preference. This system helps smaller parties have a say in the outcome, promoting fairness. The entire process is managed by the Election Commission of India.

Eligibility: – Must be an Indian citizen – Over 35 years of age – Eligible to be a member of Rajya Sabha – Cannot hold any profit-making office

Fun Fact: The Vice President is not elected by the people directly — only MPs vote.

What Does the Vice President Actually Do?

The Vice President has two main roles: 1. Chairman of the Rajya Sabha: Presides over upper house sessions, ensures discipline, and allows debate. 2. Acting President: If the President is absent, resigns, or dies, the VP steps in temporarily.

They don’t have executive powers like the Prime Minister or President but play a crucial legislative role, especially during debates and disputes in the Rajya Sabha.

Resignation vs Removal: What’s the Legal Difference?

Resignation: The Vice President can voluntarily resign by writing to the President. No vote is needed. This is what Jagdeep Dhankhar did.
Removal: Needs a formal resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha with a majority, then agreed upon by the Lok Sabha. Grounds can be violation of the Constitution or misconduct.

Important: No Vice President has ever been removed so far.

Should Health Checks Be Mandatory for Constitutional Posts?

This is an ongoing debate in India.

Supporters say: – These are top positions. Physical and mental fitness is important. – Prevents sudden resignations or disruptions.

Opponents say: – Health is personal, and ageism/discrimination can creep in. – Instead of compulsory checks, voluntary disclosures and strong advisory panels may be better.

There is no current law mandating health tests for VPs or Presidents.

References: –

Constitution of India (https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/COI_1.pdf)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat (https://rajyasabha.nic.in)

Press Information Bureau (https://pib.gov.in)

President of India Official Website (https://presidentofindia.nic.in)

Election Commission of India (https://eci.gov.in)

Written by Mahboob Gaddi (Founder) and Farman Ahmad (Co-Founder)