In an unexpected and dramatic turn of events, Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his position as the Vice President of India on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons. His abrupt departure, just two years into his five-year term, has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, creating waves of speculation about underlying causes and the future of parliamentary leadership. Dhankhar’s exit, amid ongoing political tensions and his recent health scare, has become the hottest topic in India’s political discourse, stirring debates on governance, constitutional protocol, and intra-party dynamics.
This comprehensive report delves into the seven critical developments surrounding Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, examining the health reasons he stated, political controversies preceding his decision, the impact on parliamentary proceedings, the process of electing his successor, and the broader implications for India’s democracy.
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation adds a dramatic chapter to his long and varied political career that spanned more than three decades. Starting as a successful lawyer in Rajasthan, he quickly moved up the ranks in politics, serving as a Member of Parliament, Union Minister in the early 1990s, and later as Governor of West Bengal before becoming the Vice President. His transition from legal practitioner to high constitutional office was marked by his articulate voice and willingness to engage directly on issues that many would prefer to navigate quietly. Through each role, he shaped a unique identity—sharp, proactive, and often unapologetically confrontational.
During his tenure as Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Dhankhar often found himself at the center of heated parliamentary episodes. His insistence on procedural adherence, clarity of thought, and frequent references to constitutional values made him both respected and controversial. He was vocal about the judiciary’s limits, openly debating the balance of power between Parliament and courts. This made him a lightning rod in national conversations around judicial overreach, parliamentary sovereignty, and government transparency. Many viewed this assertiveness as essential to reinvigorate Parliament’s authority—while others saw it as a stress test for political neutrality in constitutional roles.
In recent months, Dhankhar had shown signs of visible fatigue, at times appearing to struggle with stamina during prolonged sessions, yet he rarely curtailed his public engagements or diluted his duties. Close aides recall that he continued to meet with parliamentary standing committees, scholars, and student delegations late into the evening hours, well after his doctors had advised rest. His exit leaves a marked personal void in the Rajya Sabha, where his distinct style of conducting debates and managing unrest had won him both admiration and resistance alike—not unlike the Speaker’s position in the Lok Sabha, where maintaining balance is a daily challenge.
His health had been under watch for some time, but the sudden collapse during the public event nonetheless came as a rude awakening. Medical professionals familiar with such cases suggest that stress, workload, and high-pressure responsibilities could exacerbate underlying cardiac conditions. The angioplasty he underwent was seen as both a curative and cautionary step. For Dhankhar—a man who prided himself on discipline and active service—the decision to resign must have been deeply personal, underscored by a fear of compromising either health or the dignity of the office he occupied.
1. The Sudden Collapse and Health Warnings
Days before submitting his resignation, Jagdeep Dhankhar suffered a collapse during a public event in Delhi on July 17. Sources confirm that the Vice President, accompanied by his wife and the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, was visiting a garden when his health unexpectedly deteriorated, necessitating medical assistance. Dhankhar had earlier undergone angioplasty at AIIMS, a fact he publicly acknowledged while announcing his decision to step down.
Citing health reasons in his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar emphasized the need to prioritize his medical care in accordance with doctors’ advice. His frankness in linking the resignation to his health caught many by surprise, as he had been actively performing official duties just days prior, including administering oaths to newly elected Rajya Sabha members and chairing the Business Advisory Committee.
2. An Eventful Last Day in Parliament
On the very day of his resignation, July 21, Dhankhar presided over a highly charged session of the Rajya Sabha, which included handling a controversial motion pertaining to the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma due to allegations linked to cash seizures. Dhankhar’s decision to allow the notice for the motion reflected his assertiveness in the Chair, setting the stage for potential judicial inquiry.
He also displayed willingness to let opposition voices be heard during debates on security lapses and other critical issues. His firm handling of such sensitive matters on his final official day shows a leader deeply engaged until his last moments in office, fueling questions about what might have prompted the resignation shortly afterward.
3. Political Underpinnings and Allegations of Rift
While health was the official reason, political observers and opposition parties are convinced that Dhankhar’s resignation stems from deeper issues. The Congress party, among others, alleges that Dhankhar expressed disappointment over the absence of key BJP leaders during crucial Business Advisory Committee meetings, especially during sessions chaired by him.
Reports of tensions with the ruling party’s leadership surfaced, including alleged instances where parliamentary affairs ministers reportedly avoided meetings or limited opposition rights in Rajya Sabha proceedings. These political undercurrents, coupled with Dhankhar’s outspoken criticism of judicial overreach and his independent stand in the Upper House, have led to speculation that his exit was hastened by political discomfort rather than purely health factors.
4. Constitutional Protocol and Interim Arrangements
Following Dhankhar’s resignation, constitutional provisions came swiftly into effect. The Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh, assumed charge as the Acting Chairman of the Upper House. This interim arrangement will continue until the election of the new Vice President.
The election for the next Vice President must be completed within 60 days of the vacancy, by September 19, 2025, based on constitutional mandates. The electoral college for this poll comprises the members of both Houses of Parliament, totaling around 788 members currently. The process will follow the system of proportional representation through a single transferable vote and secret ballot, ensuring a democratic transition.
5. The Race for Succession and Political Calculations
Dhankhar’s resignation has triggered an intense and strategic contest within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and opposition parties to field the next Vice Presidential candidate. Speculation is rife about possible contenders, including towering BJP leaders, seasoned governors, or prominent Union ministers.
The BJP’s internal dynamics, especially given the upcoming leadership changes within the party with a new national president expected post-August 15, will heavily influence the nomination. Analysts note that unlike the President’s election, where a consensus candidate often emerges, the Vice President’s race may be more competitive given its direct role as Rajya Sabha Chairperson and its influence on parliamentary conduct.
6. Legacy and Reflection on Dhankhar’s Tenure
Despite controversy, Jagdeep Dhankhar’s tenure as the 14th Vice President was marked by his assertive and often vocal approach to parliamentary leadership. Known for upholding the dignity of the Chair, he pushed back against both opposition and ruling party excesses, earning both praise and criticism. His tenure was also notable for engaging debates on judiciary reforms and security concerns.
His resignation mid-term places him alongside only two other Vice Presidents who resigned during office in India’s history, VV Giri and RVenkataraman, albeit their resignations were to contest the presidential election. Dhankhar’s unforeseen exit will inevitably lead to a reevaluation of the Vice President’s role as a balanced arbiter between legislature and executive.
7. Public and Political Reactions: A Nation Watches Closely
The news of Dhankhar’s resignation has provoked varied reactions across political spectra and the public. Supporters applaud his candid prioritization of health and his dedication up to the very last day. Meanwhile, skeptics and opposition parties demand transparency and suggest that the resignation masks deeper political fractures and strategic calculations ahead of key state elections.
The media spotlight intensifies as the nation waits for clarity over the underlying factors and the identity of the next Vice President who will preside over the Rajya Sabha during a critical juncture of governance. Political analysts and publics alike remain engaged, recognizing that this sudden change could significantly shift parliamentary atmospherics in the months to come.
Conclusion
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation as Vice President reflects a complex intersection of health realities and political undercurrents. As India prepares to elect a new Vice President within constitutional deadlines, the nation confronts questions about leadership, parliamentary independence, and political diplomacy at the highest level. Dhankhar’s tenure and his departure highlight the significance of the Vice Presidency not just as a ceremonial post but as a vital constitutional office shaping India’s democratic discourse. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how this pivotal transition unfolds in India’s vibrant democracy.
The absence of an immediate successor brings attention not just to electoral timelines but to deeper questions about institutional continuity. With the Chair of the Rajya Sabha now temporarily under Deputy Chairperson Harivansh, the challenge lies in maintaining decorum and legislative efficiency without the seasoned command that Dhankhar brought. While the Deputy is a competent and seasoned parliamentarian, any transition in leadership—especially following a high-profile exit—often leads to procedural hesitations, political recalibrations, and shifts in dynamics between the treasury and opposition benches.
There’s also an emotional aspect to Dhankhar’s departure that is being felt across party lines. Even his opponents acknowledge the vigor with which he defended Parliamentary traditions and his openness to engage with both sides during tense debates. The public continues to reflect on his journey—from a small village in Rajasthan to one of the highest constitutional seats in the country—as a testament to India’s democratic promise. His departure, under heavy political fog and health stress, leaves a space that will not be easily filled, not just on the dais of the Rajya Sabha, but in the pages of India’s ever-evolving political history.
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