This is why India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned
India’s Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, resigned from his post on Monday, July 21, citing medical reasons.
In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar stated that he was stepping down with immediate effect in order to "prioritise health care."
"To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution," he said in the letter to the President.
Dhankhar, who is also the Rajya Sabha Chairman, resigned on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament.
With Dhankhar quitting as the vice president, the election to appoint his successor will have to be held "as soon as possible".
The 74-year-old Dhankhar had served as the vice president of India for nearly three years — since August 2022.
According to Clause 2 of Article 68 of the Constitution, an election to fill a vacancy in the office of the vice president occurring due to his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise will be held "as soon as possible" after it becomes vacant.
“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,” the letter further reads.
The former Vice President also appreciated the cooperation of the country’s Prime Minister and the council of ministers, saying he had learned much while in office and believed that leaving office, he’s “filled with pride in Bharat’s global rise and phenomenal achievements and hold unwavering confidence in her brilliant future.”
“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 warmth, trust, and affection I have received from all the Hon’ble Members of Parliament would ever be cherished and embedded in my memory.
“I am deeply thankful for the invaluable experiences and insights I have gained as Vice President in our great democracy. 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,” Dhankhar’s letter further read.
Meanwhile, Hindustan Times reports that the country’s constitution does not specify who performs the duties of the Vice President of India when a vacancy occurs in the office before the expiry of term, or when the Vice President acts as the President of India.
