President Droupadi Murmu Accepts Jagdeep Dhankhar's Sudden Resignation as Vice President, Citing Health Reasons

New Delhi (India) July 22: President Droupadi Murmu has agreed to accept Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as India's vice president. The Ministry of Home Affairs formally announced Dhankhar's resignation from his post after receiving the President's consent.

According to the MHA's gazette notice, Dhankhar wrote the President a letter on Monday evening.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted, “Jagdeep Dhankhar has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health” on social media platform X after Dhankar's resignation.

Dhankhar Resigns Citing Medical Advice

On Monday, Dhankar made the unexpected announcement after serving as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He also chaired the first day of the Parliament Monsoon Session. He cites medical advice and giving healthcare top priority in his letter to Murmu.

Dhankar wrote, “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” in his resignation letter.

Since the vice presidential position is now open, the Election Commission is anticipated to make an announcement shortly regarding the new candidate's election schedule.

Harivansh Takes Charge of Rajya Sabha

After Dhankhar's resignation, Harivansh Narayan Singh is presiding over the proceedings. Harivansh is the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

According to the Chair, the Ministry of Home Affairs announces the resignation of Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar. It is done under Section 67A of the Constitution, effective immediately. 

Opposition Alleges Hidden Reasons

The opposition, especially Congress, think that there might be "far more" to the resignation "than meets the eye." Congress Minister Jairam Ramesh says that he had a phone conversation with the 74-year-old two hours before the resignation announcement. He also said that the Vice President seemed unconcerned at the moment.

Union Ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju's absence from Monday's important meeting has also sparked controversy. Their absence from the second Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting upset Dhankhar. At 12.30 pm, the leaders attended the first BAC meeting. However, Nadda said that he and Rijiju had already told Dhankhar that they were busy with necessary parliamentary business.

Dhankhar was elected Vice President of India in 2022 after a historic election victory. Dhankhar was the governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022 before his appointment as vice president.

Aadrika Tayal