Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns: What It Means for India and What Comes Next

In a sudden and unprecedented move, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation on July 21, citing health concerns as the primary reason. His abrupt exit has left the country both constitutionally unsettled and politically curious. The timing, the silence surrounding the specifics, and the reactions from both government and opposition leaders have sparked intense debate and speculation.

Dholpur: Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addresses the cadets and staff at Rashtriya Military School, in Dholpur, Tuesday, Januar 16, 2024. (Photo: PTI) | Firstpost

The resignation has triggered the initiation of the Vice-Presidential election process, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) expected to complete the procedure within the next month. Meanwhile, the political climate continues to simmer, as multiple parties question the real reasons behind Dhankhar’s departure.

The Resignation: A Quiet Yet Shocking Departure

Vice-President Dhankhar’s resignation came late in the evening of July 21. According to official records, he made an unscheduled visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan at 9:00 PM and submitted his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, who accepted it at 9:25 PM. This swift sequence of events, with no prior indication of distress or dissatisfaction, has left many speculating about underlying political tensions.

Though Dhankhar officially cited health issues, many leaders across party lines believe the resignation wasn’t merely medical. His active participation in Parliament sessions until the day of resignation contradicts the health narrative, further adding to the mystery.

Constitutional Implications and the Election Process

With the Vice-President's post now vacant, the responsibility of presiding over the Rajya Sabha has temporarily shifted to Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh. As per the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act of 1952, once the Election Commission is notified, the election process must be completed within 30 to 32 days.

The electoral college for this election consists of all elected and nominated members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The voting is conducted via a secret ballot using the system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote. A candidate must secure more than half of the valid votes cast to be elected. If no candidate achieves this majority in the first round, the least-voted candidate is eliminated and votes are transferred until one emerges victorious.

The Home Ministry has already notified the Election Commission, which has started preparing for the election. Sources within the EC indicate that the notification for nominations and poll dates will be issued shortly, likely paving the way for a new Vice-President to assume office by the end of August 2025.

Speculation and Allegations: Was It Really About Health?

Although the resignation has been officially attributed to health reasons, several opposition leaders have cast doubt on this explanation. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the events between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM on the day of resignation, suggesting that something serious must have occurred to prompt such a dramatic decision.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot went further, claiming that Dhankhar was under pressure from the RSS and BJP. He also recalled Dhankhar’s past advocacy for farmers' issues, hinting that his outspokenness may not have aligned with the government's agenda.

The Jharkhand coalition government demanded an explanation, suggesting that parliamentary independence was under threat. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee made a bold allegation, stating that Dhankhar was “threatened with impeachment” if he did not resign. According to Banerjee, the government had already decided on his replacement and was applying intense pressure behind the scenes.

On the other hand, the BJP has strongly denied these allegations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Dhankhar for his service and wished him good health. The ruling party maintains that the resignation was voluntary and medically advised.

Race for the Vice-President’s Chair: Who’s Next?

With Dhankhar's departure, speculation is rife about his potential successor. Sources suggest that the BJP-led NDA is considering several high-profile leaders to fill the role. Among the frontrunners is Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, whose elevation could send a strong political message ahead of upcoming elections.

Other names being discussed include Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, V.K. Saxena, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, and current Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh. Interestingly, there is also chatter around Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, possibly as part of a larger political strategy.

Given the NDA’s numerical advantage in Parliament, it is likely that the coalition’s candidate will comfortably win the Vice-Presidential election. However, the choice of candidate could significantly influence the perception of the government’s intent and priorities moving forward.

Conclusion: Constitutional Routine or Political Storm?

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation has set in motion a rare and crucial constitutional process. While the Election Commission prepares to conduct the Vice-Presidential election within the mandated timeline, the political undercurrents surrounding this episode continue to swirl.

The circumstances of Dhankhar’s exit—marked by silence, urgency, and contrasting narratives—have left many wondering whether this was simply a case of health-related retirement or a sign of deeper political unrest. As India awaits the name of its next Vice-President, the unfolding drama serves as a reminder of how swiftly power equations can shift in the world’s largest democracy.

(Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, India Today)