Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as Vice President of India on Monday, July 21, 2025, has prompted a wave of reactions from political circles, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishing him good health and acknowledging his contributions to the country. Dhankhar, 74, cited health concerns and the need to follow medical advice as the primary reason for his departure, which came with two years left in his term. His resignation is effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.
In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar expressed his gratitude for her "unwavering support and the soothing, wonderful working relationship" they maintained during his tenure. He also thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Council of Ministers for their cooperation and support, noting that he had "learned much" during his time in office. Dhankhar acknowledged the "warmth, trust, and affection" extended by Members of Parliament, calling it a "cherished memory".
Dhankhar's decision to step down was influenced by recent health issues, including a cardiac event in March that required hospitalization at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He was admitted to the Critical Care Unit after experiencing uneasiness and chest pain and was discharged after four days. In June 2025, he reportedly fainted during an event in Uttarakhand and received medical attention.
The resignation, which occurred on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, has triggered political speculation. Congress leaders have claimed that there are "far deeper reasons" behind Dhankhar's resignation than the cited health concerns. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh noted that Dhankhar had chaired the Business Advisory Committee of the Rajya Sabha just hours before his resignation, raising questions about the suddenness of the decision. Ramesh also suggested that a "serious development" may have occurred between 1 PM and 4:30 PM on Monday, influencing Dhankhar's choice.
Despite the speculations, Dhankhar's resignation letter emphasized his desire to prioritize his health care and abide by medical advice. He reflected on his time in office, expressing pride in India's economic growth and transformation. "Serving in this transformative era of our nation's history has been a true honor," he stated, conveying his confidence in India's future.
With Dhankhar's resignation, the position of Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is now vacant. As per the constitution, Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh is expected to preside over the House until a new Vice President is elected. The election for the Vice President is required to be held "as soon as possible," though there is no fixed deadline in the constitution for a resignation. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is expected to discuss possible candidates for the Vice President position in the coming days. Potential nominees may include current governors, senior leaders from the party organization, or serving Union ministers.