New Delhi: In a shocking development on Monday (July 21), Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post, citing medical reasons.
Needless to say, his unexpected resignation on the first day of Monsoon Session of the Parliament has triggered speculation across political circles. While his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu stated that he was stepping down with immediate effect to “prioritise health care”, there are speculations that the controversial former VP had “far deeper reasons” to step down. In fact, Congress is making no bones in saying that there is “far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye”. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said his resignation speaks highly of him but poorly of those who got him elected to the post.
Dhankar’s resignation raises many questions
As the Vice President of India, Dhankar was also the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. His resignation puts a question mark on the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. He was expected to chair important sessions in the Upper House of the Parliament, including the Business Advisory Committee meeting that was scheduled for today (Tuesday, July 22). The immediate question is now about who will oversee the ongoing Parliament session. And the other pressing question is about what lies ahead for the country before his successor is elected.
Who will chair the Rajya Sabha now?
Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, will temporarily step in to perform the Vice President’s duties, including presiding over sessions of the Upper House. This arrangement is made under Article 91 of the Indian Constitution, which allows the Deputy Chairperson to act in the absence of the Vice President. Harivansh, a Janata Dal (United) MP, has held the position of Deputy Chairperson since 2020 and is known to have the Centre’s trust.
What does the Vice President do?
The Vice President of India holds a key constitutional role. As the second-highest constitutional office in the country, the Vice President primarily functions as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, responsible for maintaining order and overseeing debates and proceedings in the Upper House. While the President is the ceremonial head of state, the Vice President plays a crucial parliamentary role. Dhankar’s resignation now leaves the parliamentary role in a void.
How is the Vice President elected?
With Dhankhar’s resignation, the process to elect a new Vice President has officially begun. The rules for this election are set out in Articles 63 to 71 of the Constitution and the Vice-President (Election) Rules, 1974. According to these rules, the Election Commission must conduct the poll within 60 days of the resignation — that is, by 19 September 2025.
The electoral college for the Vice-Presidential election includes all 788 Members of Parliament, including 543 Lok Sabha MPs and 245 Rajya Sabha MPs. Voting is done using the proportional representation system with a single transferable vote, and the ballot is secret.
Many names doing rounds to fill VP’s post
The ruling BJP-led NDA holds a majority in Parliament, giving it a clear edge in choosing the next Vice President. Names doing the rounds include current Union ministers, experienced organisational leaders, and even past governors. Dhankhar himself was Governor of West Bengal before being selected as the NDA’s Vice-Presidential nominee in 2022.
Some reports suggest that the BJP, which is also preparing to announce its next national party president, may finalise a Vice-Presidential candidate after August 15. PTI quoted a senior BJP leader saying on the condition of anonymity that the party’s preference is likely to be for a senior, non-controversial leader with experience in governance or public life. Interestingly, Harivansh is also being discussed as a potential choice.
Who can become the Vice President of India?
To be the Vice President, a candidate must:
- Be a citizen of India
- Be at least 35 years old
- Be qualified to be elected to the Rajya Sabha
- Not hold any office of profit under the Union or state government, except roles like President, Governor or Minister
- Multiple theories on why Dhankhar resigned
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation followed dramatic developments in Parliament. On the same day, a motion to remove Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma was submitted in the Rajya Sabha. This is an unusual and politically-sensitive move. Dhankhar mentioned the motion in the House, surprising many, including members of the NDA. This led to speculation that these events may have influenced his resignation.
74-year-old Dhankhar took office in August 2022, and his term was set to run until 2027. Known for his outspoken style and frequent confrontations with the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, his tenure was not without controversy. His exit, however, now leaves the NDA with a significant Constitutional post to fill, and a key decision to make in the weeks ahead.