Prime Highlights
- Shock resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on health grounds on medical grounds.
- Resignation accepted by President Droupadi Murmu with effect from immediate effect.
Key Facts
- Resignation tendered in terms of Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution.
- Third Indian Vice-President to have resigned prior to the end of the full term.
Key Background
“Jagdeep Dhankhar quits as Vice-President” — a headline that has left the country stunned. India’s Vice-President resigned formally on July 21, 2025, citing cogent reasons of health problems and medical recommendations. His resignation came just after he had conducted the oath-taking ceremony on the inaugural day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, thus adding to the shock.
Dhankhar’s resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu was brief but telling. He stressed the importance of health being accorded priority at this stage of life and expressed appreciation to the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Council of Ministers, and all Members of Parliament for their association throughout his tenure. He especially credited the working relationship with President Murmu, calling it warm and enriching.
This is just the third instance in Indian history where a Vice-President resigned midterm. Dhankhar, who had won his office with a resounding 74% majority vote in 2022, still had more than two years left in his term. His political career was marked by prominent roles as Governor of West Bengal, parliamentarian, and lawyer, and his midterm resignation is a decisive turn in Indian political history.
Political reactions too have been varied. While Prime Minister Modi wished for his good health and appreciated his services, opposition leaders were cautious, hinting at more of the story to come out. The resignation of Dhankhar could lead to the election of the next Vice-President, as prescribed constitutional practice, within a brief time.
Jagdeep Dhankhar had only recently passed through serious health issues, including hospitalization due to heart complications and a collapse in a public event. These could have been the likely reasons for his resignation. As the nation waits with bated breath to speculate on what is in store, Dhankhar’s resignation is not only a personal one but also a game-changer in India’s political leadership landscape.
