In a surprising turn of events, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday evening, July 21, 2025, citing medical reasons. The resignation, which came on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament, has taken the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) by surprise and set off a flurry of activity to find a suitable replacement.
Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in August 2022 and his tenure was to last until 2027. In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar stated that he was stepping down with immediate effect to "prioritise health care and abide by medical advice," invoking Article 67(a) of the Constitution. He also served as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
With the NDA holding a majority in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the alliance is expected to deliberate on potential candidates in the coming days. The BJP is likely to consider names from a pool of leaders, including current governors, seasoned organizational leaders, and Union ministers. According to a BJP leader, the party will likely choose someone who is a "solid choice and is non-controversial".
The names of potential candidates have already begun circulating. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, a Janata Dal (United) MP, is being considered, as he has held the post since 2020 and is known to have the government's confidence. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is also seen as a prominent candidate.
The Vice President is elected through an indirect election by an Electoral College comprising members of both Houses of Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. Unlike the Presidential election, state assemblies have no role in this process. Voting is done by secret ballot, using the single transferable vote (STV) system of proportional representation. A candidate must secure the required quota of votes, calculated as (Total Valid Votes ÷ 2) + 1, to be declared elected. The Election Commission of India conducts and oversees the election.
To be eligible, a candidate must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, qualified to be a member of the Rajya Sabha, and not hold any office of profit under the Government. The Vice President holds office for a five-year term but continues until a successor is elected. The election must be held within 60 days of Dhankhar's resignation, before September 19, 2025.
In the interim, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh will temporarily assume the role of Chairman of the Upper House of Parliament, as per Article 91 of the Constitution.
Dhankhar is the third Vice President in Indian history to resign before completing his term. V.V. Giri resigned in 1969 to contest the presidential election, and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat quit in 2007 after losing the presidential race. Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation has created a vacancy that requires immediate attention, and the political landscape is now rife with speculation as the NDA prepares to choose his successor.
