In a surprising turn of events, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday, July 21, 2025, citing health reasons. The resignation, which came on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, has sparked discussions across the political spectrum.

Just ten days prior to his resignation, on July 10, 2025, Dhankhar made comments at an event at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) that have now taken on a new significance. Addressing the audience, he stated that he would "retire at the right time, August 2027," which would have been the end of his term. However, he added a crucial caveat: "subject to divine intervention". This statement, initially made in a lighter vein, now appears to hint at the possibility of an early departure, depending on circumstances beyond his control.

Dhankhar, 74, assumed the office of the Vice President in August 2022. His tenure, which was expected to continue until 2027, was marked by frequent confrontations with opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha, where he also served as Chairman. His public remarks on various matters had also, at times, caused concern within the government.

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, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution". He also expressed his gratitude to the President, Prime Minister, and members of Parliament for their support during his tenure. Dhankhar had recently undergone angioplasty at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi.

The Congress party has reacted to Dhankhar's resignation with surprise, suggesting that there are "far deeper reasons" behind his decision than the stated health concerns. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh noted that Dhankhar had chaired the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Rajya Sabha on Monday, July 21, 2025, but was not informed about the absence of two Union Ministers, leading to a rescheduling of the meeting. Ramesh claimed that "something very serious" happened between 1 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Monday, prompting the ministers' absence and Dhankhar's subsequent resignation.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was reportedly taken by surprise by Dhankhar's resignation. The ruling alliance is expected to discuss potential candidates for the Vice President post in the coming days. The BJP is likely to choose a nominee from a pool of current governors, senior party leaders, or Union ministers. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh is among those being considered.

With Dhankhar's resignation effective immediately, the election for the new Vice President must be completed by September 19, 2025. In the interim, Harivansh Narayan Singh will preside over the Rajya Sabha.

Dhankhar's political career includes his representation of Kishangarh in the Rajasthan Assembly from 1993 to 1998. He also served as the Governor of West Bengal, where he had a confrontational relationship with the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government. In July 2022, he was declared the NDA's Vice-Presidential candidate and secured a significant victory.