Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns: What the Constitution Says About Filling the Vacancy

Swift Summary

• Vice-President Resignation: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, aged 74, resigned on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons.Teh resignation was officially accepted by President Droupadi Murmu on July 22, 2025.
• Medical Grounds Statement: In a letter posted on his official X account, Mr. Dhankhar stated he resigned “too prioritize health care and abide by medical advice,” in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.
• Constitutional Implication: As per the Constitution of India:

– The Election Commission of India is mandated to announce fresh polls for the Vice-President post upon notification of vacancy.
– Until a new election is conducted, there is no direct succession mechanism for the role itself; though, the Deputy Chairman can oversee functions as Chairman of Rajya Sabha temporarily.

• Congress Response: Congress party termed his resignation “totally unexpected” and suggested that there might be deeper reasons beyond health concerns. General Secretary Jairam Ramesh pointed out Mr. Dhankhar’s active schedule just prior to his resignation and hinted at possible political undertones.
• Other Political Reactions: Union Minister J.P. Nadda clarified some administrative decisions related to last-minute meeting absences but did not comment directly on motives behind Mr. Dhankhar’s decision.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The resignation of Vice-President jagdeep Dhankhar raises essential constitutional and procedural questions while generating notable political discourse in India’s public sphere. The immediate focus shifts toward operational continuity in Rajya Sabha leadership and adherence to constitutional protocols requiring expedited elections.

His exit citing health concerns should ordinarily be respected as personal choice; though, skepticism voiced by opposition leaders underscores broader credibility gaps in political interaction today-a recurring challenge for Indian democracy.

On governance implications:

1. Procedurally filling such a key role swiftly will ensure institutional stability given its dual impact-chairmanship over legislative proceedings (Rajya Sabha) alongside national executive responsibilities under specific scenarios tied constitutionally into state emergency contingencies or impeachment trials etc beyond symbolic depiction acts globally