VP Dhankhar Resigns All Of A Sudden On 1st Day Of Monsoon Session Of Parliament

Citing health reasons, Dhankhar tendered his resignation to the President of India Droupadi Murmu with immediate effect.

In the resignation letter, which he posted on his ‘X’ handle, Dhankhar said, “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.”

He further said, “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 VP added that it has been his privilege 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 wrote.

“As I leave this esteemed office, I am filled with pride in Bharat’s global rise and phenomenal achievements and hold unwavering confidence in her brilliant future.”

Dhankhar had assumed the VP's office in August 2022.

Dhankhar is the third VP to resign before completing his term. Previously, V V Giri had stepped down as VP on July 20, 1969, to contest the presidential election, following President Zakir Husain’s demise. He served as acting President before being later elected as President.

R Venkataraman, too, resigned as VP in July 1987, after being elected President. He had served as VP from August 1984 to July 1987, and went on to hold the presidency until July 1992.

The Next Course 

As per existing Constitutional norms, the Election Commission will now have to hold an election to elect a new Vice President to fill the vacancy within 60 days of the resignation being accepted.

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 the VP, 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.