Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday night, citing medical reasons. The resignation was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament.
Dhankhar, 74, had recently undergone an angioplasty procedure at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. His resignation comes just three years into his term, which was set to continue until 2027.
In his letter addressed to the President, Dhankhar said he was stepping down “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice,” in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.
He expressed gratitude to President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Council of Ministers, and Members of Parliament for their support during his tenure.
“The warmth, trust, and affection I have received from all the Hon’ble Members of Parliament would ever be cherished and embedded in my memory,” Dhankhar wrote.
He also reflected on the country’s growth during his time in office, calling it a privilege to witness India’s “remarkable economic progress” and “unprecedented exponential development.”
Jagdeep Dhankhar assumed office as the 14th Vice President of India in August 2022. As Vice President, he also served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
His resignation marks a rare mid-term departure from the post and sets the stage for a new Vice Presidential election in the coming months.
