In a surprising turn of events, Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned from his position as the Vice President of India, citing health reasons. The resignation, effective immediately, was tendered in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution. The announcement has prompted a flurry of reactions from across the political spectrum, with leaders expressing a mix of surprise, concern, and well wishes.

Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in August 2022 and was constitutionally set to serve a five-year term ending in 2027. Prior to becoming Vice President, he served as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022. His resignation comes on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament, where the Vice President also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar stated, "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately". He also expressed deep gratitude to the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and members of Parliament for their support during his tenure. "The Prime Minister's cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged Dhankhar's resignation as a "moment of deep gratitude," highlighting the Vice President's "steadfast commitment to constitutional values" and "graceful conduct in public life". "Jagdeep ji has been a guardian of parliamentary decorum and democratic debate. His health comes first. I wish him a strong recovery," Modi said.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also conveyed his well wishes, stating, "We hope Vice President Dhankhar recovers soon. We had our political differences, but we respect his long-standing service to the nation". However, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed that the resignation was "shocking" and "inexplicable," while acknowledging Dhankhar's health should be the priority. Ramesh commended Dhankhar for his balanced approach as Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, noting that he "took both the Government and the Opposition to task in equal measure".

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal expressed sadness over Dhankhar's resignation, recalling their long-standing relationship. "Personally, I did not feel nice and I had very good ties with him. There was no ill feeling. He used to speak his mind and not keep things in his heart," Sibal said, while also recognizing Dhankhar as a "nationalist and patriot".

The sudden vacancy in the office of the Vice President has triggered discussions about the next steps. According to the Constitution, the Election Commission will initiate the process to elect a new Vice President "as soon as possible". Article 66 stipulates that the Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament through a secret ballot and a proportional representation system using the single transferable vote.

Several political analysts have noted the unexpected nature of Dhankhar's resignation, particularly given its timing amidst the Monsoon session of Parliament and ahead of the 2026 Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections. Some speculate that the resignation may be linked to Dhankhar's reported discomfort with certain government policies or internal party dynamics, while others emphasize the need to respect his stated health concerns.

Dhankhar's tenure as Vice President was marked by his assertive conduct in the Rajya Sabha and frequent interactions with the opposition. He played a significant role in streamlining procedures in the Upper House and emphasized "cooperative federalism" and "constitutional nationalism".

As the nation processes this unexpected development, all eyes are on the upcoming election for the new Vice President and the implications for the political landscape.