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New Delhi, 22 July 2025 : There was a big earthquake in Indian politics on Monday evening, when Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post immediately. 74-year-old Dhankhar took this decision citing health reasons in his resignation letter addressed to President Draupadi Murmu. His term was till August 2027, but due to rapidly deteriorating health and medical advice, he suddenly chose to leave.
Dhankhar's resignation was submitted to the President on the very first day of the monsoon session on Tuesday, which created an atmosphere of discussion in political circles. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh will now take over the role of Acting President till the new Vice President is elected.
Why did he resign suddenly?
Dhankhar was admitted to AIIMS Hospital in Delhi for four days in March 2025 due to heart disease, but he returned healthy later. Private sources say that his health was continuously deteriorating in recent weeks. His increasing meetings and discussions with opposition leaders in Parliament also ignited political sparks, but health is said to be the main reason for the resignation.
Vice President's tenure, profile and journey
Born in a farmer family of Rajasthan, Jagdeep Dhankhar has been active in the field of politics and law since a long time. He became Vice President in 2022, before which his tenure as Governor of West Bengal was surrounded by controversies. Dhankhar was known for his firmness and sometimes allegations of partisanship. The impeachment motion filed by the opposition in 2024 also became an unprecedented turning point in his tenure.
When will the Vice Presidential elections be held?
Under Article 68(2) of the Constitution, the election of a new Vice President is required within 60 days after the resignation. The Election Commission may soon start the process, in which a total of 788 members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will cast their votes. Both the Leader of the Opposition and the ruling party are now seriously considering future names.
This appointment is strategically important for the government at this time, especially at a time when many important issues are pending in Parliament. The BJP-NDA will have to choose strong, acceptable candidates based on their majority.
With the sudden departure of Dhankhar, a new chapter has been added to the politics of India. Now the country's eyes are fixed on the election of the next Vice President and the new direction of that post.