Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigns citing health reasons

New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation as the Vice President of India, citing health concerns as the reason for his sudden exit.

The 74-year-old, who has held office since 2022, made the announcement shortly after presiding over the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

“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,” Dhankhar stated in a letter released by the Vice President’s Secretariat.

Expressing gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhankhar said: “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.”

Interestingly, Dhankhar’s resignation came on a day he presided over a crucial Rajya Sabha session, during which he acknowledged receiving a letter signed by over 50 Members of Parliament demanding the formation of a committee to examine the possible impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma.