Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigned Due To Health Reasons

The unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, just three years into his tenure, has drawn national attention due to its political and constitutional significance. As the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President holds a crucial role in parliamentary proceedings. His resignation has triggered a constitutional process to elect a successor within a specific timeframe, as well as temporarily changed the functioning of the Upper House of Parliament. This development holds relevance for aspirants of various competitive exams as it touches on several key constitutional articles, electoral mechanisms, and parliamentary processes.

Constitutional Position of the Vice President

The Vice President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office in the country. As per Article 63 to 71 of the Constitution, the Vice President is elected for a five-year term and serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The post acts as a vital bridge between the executive and the legislature, especially in the Upper House.

Resignation and Article 67(a)

Jagdeep Dhankhar submitted his resignation to the President of India under Article 67(a) of the Constitution, which states that the Vice President may resign by writing under his hand addressed to the President. His resignation has led to a vacancy in the office, requiring a constitutionally mandated election within 60 days of the occurrence of the vacancy.

Who Chairs the Rajya Sabha Now?

As per Article 91, during the vacancy in the Vice President’s office, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha performs the duties of the Chairman. Currently, Harivansh Narayan Singh, a JD(U) MP, is serving as the Deputy Chairperson and will temporarily preside over the Rajya Sabha proceedings during the Monsoon Session until a new Vice President is elected.

Election Process of the Vice President

The election process is governed by Articles 63 to 71 of the Constitution and the Vice-President (Election) Rules, 1974. The electoral college for the Vice President’s election comprises members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (currently 788 MPs). The election follows a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote, and voting is held by secret ballot.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will notify the schedule, and the election is to be conducted before September 19, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for Vice President

As per constitutional provisions, a person is eligible to be elected as Vice President if they,

• Are a citizen of India
• Are at least 35 years old
• Are qualified to be elected to the Rajya Sabha
• Do not hold any office of profit under the central or state government (except for roles such as President, Governor, or Minister)

Political and Administrative Significance

The resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, especially during the Monsoon Session, has both parliamentary and political implications. His term was marked by frequent confrontations with opposition and controversial remarks. His departure coincides with the BJP’s organizational changes, such as the upcoming election of a new national party president, and speculation suggests that the next Vice President may be a senior leader, former Governor, or even the current Deputy Chairperson.