Key Points
- Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as Vice President of India on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons, two years before his term was to end.
- His abrupt exit triggered speculation of high-level political maneuvering within the BJP, following a day of parliamentary uproar and emergency meetings.
- BJP MPs reportedly signed blank papers at a confidential gathering at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s residence, hinting at swift political preparations for the transition.
- Top BJP leaders, including JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju, missed a key Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, leading to visible discontent from Dhankhar in his final hours as Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
- The process of electing a new Vice President has commenced, with Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh stepping in as acting Chairman in the interim.
New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events on the evening of July 21, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, invoking Article 67(a) of the Constitution and citing the need to “prioritise health care” upon medical advice. His resignation, announced on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, immediately triggered political tremors in New Delhi.
Dhankhar, who was elected Vice President in August 2022, had a tenure extending to August 2027. His early resignation makes him the third Vice President in Indian history to step down before finishing his term, after V. V. Giri and Krishna Kant.
High-Level Meetings and Political Intrigue Erupt
Sources have revealed that shockwaves spread across Parliament as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s office became a hub of frenetic activity throughout the evening. Senior BJP leaders and Rajya Sabha MPs were discreetly assembled and, reportedly, asked to sign on blank documents an unusual step reflecting urgent behind-the-scenes maneuvering ahead of the leadership transition. MPs were instructed to maintain strict confidentiality about the meetings and the forthcoming developments.
The surprise move coincided with a period of intense disagreements in the House, fueling speculation that Dhankhar’s resignation may have been choreographed during an emergency high-level meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amidst heavy opposition protests.
Missing Leaders, Disrupted BAC Meetings, and Dhankhar’s Discontent
Another twist in the saga emerged regarding the absence of top BJP parliamentary leaders. At the crucial Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, both Rajya Sabha Leader of the House JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju were missing—despite being expected participants. This absence is said to have angered Dhankhar, who was left to reschedule deliberations in frustration.
Later, JP Nadda clarified that both he and Rijiju were engaged in urgent parliamentary business and had informed the Vice President’s office about their inability to attend the BAC meeting.
Immediate Aftermath and Constitutional Process
With the Vice President’s post now vacant, constitutional protocol dictates that the Deputy Chairperson, Harivansh Narayan Singh, presides over the Rajya Sabha until a new Vice President is elected. The process of electing Dhankhar’s successor must be completed within 60 days, as per Articles 63 to 71 and the Vice-President (Election) Rules, 1974. The BJP-led NDA, holding a majority in both Houses, is expected to soon declare its candidate.
Article 67(a): Grounds for Resignation
Article 67(a) of the Constitution enables the Vice President to resign by submitting a written notice to the President. Dhankhar’s resignation complied with this process and was accepted immediately, prompting an accelerated timeline for transition.
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation has set in motion a period of uncertainty and political calculation in Parliament. While official statements attribute the move to health concerns, the rapid chain of confidential meetings and abrupt parliamentary developments suggest deeper undercurrents within the ruling establishment. The entire nation now awaits the announcement of his successor and watches closely for the NDA’s next move as the Monsoon Session unfolds.
Prime Minister Modi has given his reaction on his decision. PM Modi has posted on Instagram and wished Jagdeep Dhankhar good health. PM Modi said that he has got the opportunity to serve the country.
What did PM Modi say?
PM Modi posted on social media and said that “Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar ji has got the opportunity to serve the country in many roles including the Vice President of India. I wish him good health”.
