National New: On the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament, i.e., on Monday (July 21), Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar suddenly resigned from his post. According to India Today TV sources, Dhankhar will not be able to give a farewell speech due to resigning in the middle of his term. 74-year-old Dhankhar, who took over as vice president in August 2022, had a term till 2027. Sources said that only the vice president who has completed a full five-year term can give a farewell speech.
Only Third Vice President to Resign Mid-Term
According to media reports, Jagdeep Dhankhar is the third vice president to resign before completing his term. Earlier, V.V. Giri (1967-1969) and R. Venkataraman (1984-1987) also resigned mid-term and assumed the post of president. Dhankhar's predecessor, M. Venkaiah Naidu, completed a full term from 2017 to 2022. Naidu was honored at the farewell ceremony, in which many leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praised his contribution. Naidu also gave his farewell speech. Dhankhar was part of the ceremony, which was organized for the smooth transfer of the post.
Vice President Resigned Over Health
Jagdeep Dhankhar wrote in his resignation letter addressed to President Draupadi Murmu on Monday (July 21) night, "In order to give priority to health care and follow medical advice, I resign from the post of Vice President of India with immediate effect, as prescribed under Article 67 (A) of the Constitution." This is the first time a vice president has resigned, citing health reasons as the main reason. On Tuesday, President Murmu accepted his resignation.
Constitutional process and next steps
Under Article 67 of the Constitution, provisions are given regarding the tenure of the vice president and his resignation. According to Article 67(A), the Vice President can submit his resignation in writing to the President. Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh will handle the day-to-day work until a new vice president is elected. The vice presidential election is expected soon.
Opposition Hints at Deeper Motives
However, the opposition has claimed that there are "deeper reasons" behind Dhankhar's resignation than health. The opposition says that while this resignation may be good for Dhankhar, it reflects poorly on those who elected him to this post.
