Taking the entire country by surprise, Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday officially resigned from his post with immediate effect, citing health reasons and the need to follow medical advice. The resignation, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, was tendered under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution.
In the letter to the President, Dhankhar (74) expressed gratitude for her “unwavering support” and the “soothing, wonderful working relationship” they shared during his tenure. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers, calling their support “invaluable.”
“I have learned much during my time in office,” he said, adding that the warmth and affection shown by Members of Parliament would remain embedded in his memory.
Describing his tenure as a period of insight and privilege, Dhankhar said it had been satisfying to witness and take part in India’s economic progress. “Serving in this transformative era of our nation’s history has been a true honor,” he said.
Stating that he was filled with pride in “Bharat’s global rise.” Dhankar expressed confidence in the country’s future.
Dhankhar assumed office in August 2022, his tenure would have ended in 2027.
As Vice President, Dhankhar also served as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
On Monday, while the Upper House was in session, there was no indication of his impending resignation.
From a left-of-centre Janata Dal activist to a centrist Congressman to right-wing Hindutva supporter, Dhankhar is also the first person holding a top constitutional post to face Opposition no-confidence motion against him. On December 10, the opposition INDIA bloc moved a notice to remove Dhankhar from office. The notice said that Dhankhar had been unfair and partisan in his conduct, and has not acted in accordance with the demands of his constitutional position.
Born on May 18, 1951, in Jhunjhunu district’s Kithana village, Dhankhar has had a long journey, from Rajasthan’s Bar Council to the VPI office. It remains to be seen who will succeed him. Meanwhile, till that happens he is expected to continue serving in the position.
Sources said he is unlikely to attend the Parliament session on Tuesday.
Earlier today, Dhankar drew MPs’ attention to a notice of motion he had received seeking the constitution of a statutory committee for the removal of High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma and explained the procedure for setting up such a committee.
In fact, a PIB release posted at 3.53 PM stated that he would be visiting Rajasthan on July 23 and interact with newly elected committee members of Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (CREDAI) Rajasthan at Jaipur.
