Jagdeep Dhankhar, who has served as the Vice President of India since 2022, has resigned from his post, effective immediately. The resignation, tendered on Monday, July 21, 2025, comes just as the Parliament commenced its Monsoon Session. Dhankhar, aged 74, cited health concerns and the need to abide by medical advice as the primary reasons for his decision.

In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar expressed his deepest gratitude for her unwavering support and the wonderful working relationship they maintained. He also extended his thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers, acknowledging their invaluable cooperation and support during his tenure. Dhankhar reflected on his time in office with pride, noting India's remarkable economic progress and unprecedented development. He stated that serving in this transformative era of the nation's history had been a true honor.

Dhankhar's resignation triggers a constitutional process for the Election Commission to promptly organize an election to fill the vacancy. Article 66 of the Constitution mandates that the election must be held as soon as possible. The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, through a secret ballot and a proportional representation system using the single transferable vote.

Prior to his role as Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar served as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022. Before entering politics, Dhankhar was a prominent lawyer, practicing primarily in the Supreme Court. His legal expertise spanned various fields, including steel, coal, mining, and international commercial arbitration. He was designated as a Senior Advocate by the High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan.

Dhankhar's tenure as Vice President was marked by his outspoken nature. Some political analysts suggest his departure may signal internal rifts within the ruling BJP or indicate broader leadership shifts. His resignation has sparked speculation about deeper motives, especially given his vocal critiques of judicial overreach and reported tensions with opposition leaders.

With the office of Vice President now vacant, the Election Commission is expected to announce the schedule for the election of a new Vice President soon. The new Vice President will also assume the role of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.