New Delhi [India], July 22: In a surprising development, Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned from his post, citing health grounds. The announcement was made in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday by BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, who was in the Chair. Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh was subsequently seen presiding over the proceedings.
The Chair stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs conveyed the acceptance of Dhankhar’s resignation by President of India Draupadi Murmu, effective immediately, under Article 67(a) of the Constitution. The announcement was made just before the upper house of Parliament was adjourned until 2:00 PM today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to express his thoughts, posting, “Jagdeep Dhankhar has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.”
Meanwhile, the timing of Dhankhar’s resignation has sparked considerable speculation and questioning from the Opposition. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi labeled the resignation “sudden and unfortunate,” noting that the Vice President had presided over Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings as recently as Monday. Gogoi suggested that the relationship between Dhankhar and the central government might have deteriorated, pointing to the absence of a Union Minister from a scheduled BAC meeting on Monday afternoon.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel also expressed doubts about the “health reasons” cited by Dhankhar, calling it an “indication of an impending political storm.” Baghel stated that he was present with Dhankhar in a meeting on Monday, where the Vice President appeared to be in good health. He highlighted the absence of two ministers, including Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda, from a subsequent meeting, implying a deeper reason behind the resignation. “It is a serious matter that the VP resigned during the ongoing session. This is an indication of an impending (political) storm,” Baghel told reporters.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh echoed these sentiments, claiming there was “more to Dhankhar’s ‘unexpected’ resignation as Vice President than meets the eye.” Ramesh posted on X, “The sudden resignation of the Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is as shocking as it is unimaginable. Until around 5 PM this evening, I was with him, along with several other MPs, and at 7:30 PM, I had a phone conversation with him. Undoubtedly, Jagdeep Dhankhar should prioritise his health above all else. However, it is also clear that there is more to his completely unexpected resignation than meets the eye. Nevertheless, this is not the time for speculation.”
Dhankhar’s resignation letter, issued on Monday, 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.”
This development also comes amid reports that a committee is expected to be formed to investigate allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, following notices for his removal by MPs in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Justice Varma was reportedly indicted by an in-house inquiry committee after semi-burnt wads of cash were discovered at his residence following a fire incident.