Key Points
- Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar officially resigns from his post with immediate effect on July 21, 2025
- Resignation announced via official X account and formal letter to President Droupadi Murmu
- Health concerns and medical advice cited as primary reasons for stepping down
- Dhankhar served as India’s 14th Vice President since August 2022, also Chairman of Rajya Sabha
- Resignation submitted under Article 67(a) of the Constitution with heartfelt gratitude message
- Political landscape faces unexpected development as succession process begins
New Delhi: In a significant political development, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has officially resigned from his constitutional post, citing health reasons and the need to follow medical advice. The resignation, effective immediately as of July 21, 2025, was announced through his official X account and confirmed via a formal letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu.
Dhankhar’s resignation statement read: “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.”
Full Text of Resignation Letter
In his heartfelt resignation letter to the President, Dhankhar expressed profound gratitude for his tenure:
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency – the Hon’ble President of India for her unwavering support and the soothing wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure.
I express my deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the esteemed Council of Ministers. Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office.”
The Vice President also acknowledged the Members of Parliament, stating that “the warmth, trust, and affection” he received from them would remain “cherished and embedded in my memory.”
Reflecting on India’s Growth and His Legacy
Dhankhar concluded his tenure on a note of national pride, writing:
“It has been a privilege and satisfaction to witness and partake in India’s remarkable economic progress and unprecedented exponential development during this significant period. Serving in this transformative era of our nation’s history has been a true honor.
As I leave this esteemed office, I am filled with pride in Bharat’s global rise and phenomenal achievements and hold unwavering confidence in her brilliant future.”
Background: From Governor to Vice President
Jagdeep Dhankhar, a veteran politician and senior lawyer, took office as India’s 14th Vice President in August 2022. Prior to this role, he served as the Governor of West Bengal and was nominated by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
As Vice President, Dhankhar also served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, presiding over the upper house of Parliament during his tenure. His term was originally scheduled to end in August 2027, making this resignation an unexpected development in India’s political landscape.
Constitutional Implications and Next Steps
The resignation has been submitted under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution, which governs the resignation process for the Vice President. With the office now vacant, constitutional procedures for succession will need to be initiated.
Political Reactions and Impact
The resignation marks an unexpected development in India’s political landscape, coming at a time when Parliament is in session and various legislative matters are under discussion. The timing of the resignation, citing health reasons, has drawn widespread attention across political circles and media.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2022 | Jagdeep Dhankhar assumes office as 14th Vice President |
| July 10, 2025 | Dhankhar mentions retirement in August 2027 “subject to divine intervention” |
| July 21, 2025 | Official resignation announced via X account and formal letter |
| July 21, 2025 | Immediate effect – office of Vice President becomes vacant |
The resignation of Vice President Dhankhar represents a significant moment in Indian politics, with the focus now shifting to the constitutional process of filling this crucial constitutional position.
