Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday resigned as the Vice President of India, citing health reasons.
In his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, he stated: “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."
74-year-old Dhankhar said 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 honour, he said.
Dhankhar assumed the office of the Vice President of India in August 2022. He was admitted to AIIMS-Delhi for four days in March this year following cardiac-related ailments.
The Vice President also expressed his deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers. “Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office," he said.
Dhankhar said that the warmth, trust, and affection he has received from all the Members of Parliament would ever be cherished and embedded in his memory.
A formal election to fill the vacancy of the Vice President must be held within 60 days of the resignation. The electorate comprises all members of both Houses of Parliament, using a proportional representation system via single transferable vote.
As per the Constitution, in the event of a vacancy in the office of Vice President, the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha steps in as the Acting Chairperson of the Upper House. Currently, that position is held by Harivansh Narayan Singh (appointed in August 2022), who will fulfil this role temporarily.
Born in 1951, Dhankhar was elected to the 9th Lok Sabha from Jhunjhunu Parliamentary Constituency in 1989. He also served as Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in 1990. Later, he got elected to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from Kishangarh Constituency in Ajmer district in 1993-1998.
Dhankhar also served as Governor of West Bengal from 30 July 2019 to 18 July 2022.
Source: News18