Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns: Health Concerns Prompt Exit on Monsoon Session’s First Day
The 74-year-old Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar announced his resignation on the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, citing health concerns, in a stunning move that has rocked India’s political landscape. Dhankhar’s abrupt departure from his constitutional position as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has generated a great deal of conjecture and discussion and marks a pivotal point in the country’s governance. The resignation, which took effect immediately, has caused both citizens and political circles to question how it will affect India’s legislative and political future.
Former West Bengal Governor and seasoned politician Jagdeep Dhankhar is a prominent figure in Indian politics, renowned for his dedication to constitutional principles and keen legal understanding. Beginning in August 2022, his time as vice president was characterized by attempts to keep the Rajya Sabha civil despite contentious discussions and frequent interruptions. But it is clear that his health, which he stated was the main reason for his resignation, has come first, leading to this momentous choice. Although Dhankhar has not provided specific information regarding his health, people close to him speculate that the demands of the workplace may have played a role in his decision to put his personal health first.
An already tense parliamentary environment is made more complex by the fact that Dhankhar’s resignation was announced at the beginning of the Monsoon Session. The contentious Income Tax Bill 2025 and talks about Operation Sindoor, which have already increased tensions between the opposition and the ruling coalition, were among the important topics that the session was set to cover. With the Chairman position now temporarily unfilled until a successor is chosen, Dhankhar’s departure from the Rajya Sabha’s leadership begs the question of how the Upper House will handle these divisive discussions.
The wider implications of this development are being examined by political analysts. Given that the opposition has been outspoken on issues such as the impeachment motion against High Court Judge Yashwant Varma and the recent acquittal in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, Dhankhar’s departure may have an impact on the delicate balance of power within Parliament. Given how crucial the vice president’s role is in promoting communication and consensus in a divisive political climate, his resignation might also lead to a reassessment of the government’s legislative approach.
The government is expected to suggest a candidate who can maintain the dignity of the position while negotiating the difficulties of a divided Parliament when the election process for a new vice president gets underway. In the meantime, leaders from all parties have paid their respects to Dhankhar, recognizing his contributions to public life. In a statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Dhankhar for his service and wished him a speedy recovery. The resignation highlights the unpredictability of political life and the human realities that influence it as India considers this crucial moment. With the Monsoon Session scheduled to take place in the shadow of this momentous shift, the country now closely monitors the government and Parliament as they map out the future.
