On July 21, 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar made headlines by announcing his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, citing health concerns. While the primary reason for resignation was stated to be medical reasons, the timing and circumstances have raised questions regarding the event. Was this all really about the health? Or is there something more to it? This blog explores the chronology and the underlying tensions of Dhankhar’s sudden departure.
Dhankhar’s Term in Office
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar had a firm belief in parliamentary supremacy and was a strong defender of legislative authority. He served a tenure of three years where he was marked by discipline in the Upper House and upholding views on the judiciary-legislature balance.
| Parameter | Details |
| Tenure Served | August 2022 – July 2025 |
| Major Controversies Involved | NJAC Comments, Rajya Sabha Motions |
| Notable Stance | Support for Parliament over the Judiciary |
Highlights of his Tenure
- He presided over 7 parliamentary sessions
- He advocated for the implementation of the NJAC
- He also frequently engaged with the judiciary over the separation of powers
Challenges Faced
- He was often criticised for a lack of judgment
- He was often seen clashing with opposition leaders and judicial institutions.
- Perceived proximity to ruling parties
Key Points Leading to the Resignation
Certain key events marked the departure of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, which have been listed below in the form of a table:
| Date of Event | Event |
| March 2025 | Underwent a medical cardiac procedure |
| July 20, 2025 | Signs of political tension are rising in the Rajya Sabha |
| July 21, 2025 | Submitted his resignation citing Article 67(a) |
| July 22, 2025 | Opposition challenges health narrative |
The Health Narrative
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s official reasoning for the resignation was reported cardiac procedure. His letter emphasised the need for further medical rest. At the age of 74, with a reported cardiac procedure, this explanation of his holds some weight. However, er political observers feel that resignation of such authority often involves certain layers. Although the health issues appear genuine to some extent, the absence of a detailed disclosure and abrupt timing has raised many questions between the parliament and the judiciary. Many feel that this is a choreographed exit meant to avoid a deeper institutional exit.
The Political Angle Behind
Citing the differences between the governing body and the opposition party, sources from within the parliament and the media highlight several incidents that indicate political stress between Dhankhar and the ruling alliance. Stated below are some points that strongly support the verdict:
- Vice President Dhankhar accepted a motion in the Rajya Sabha to consider the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, which caught eyes of the government. It is possibly believed that the government decided to take this up in the Lok Sabha first.
- Union Ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju’s absence from the key meeting of the Rajya Sabha Business Advisory Committee was also seen as an unusual act of implicit boycott.
- Reports from political correspondents also suggest that a no-confidence vote is being considered against Dhankhar by members of the NDA. The choice might have forced him into a resignation or suffer a damaging vote.
All these events, when read together, suggest that Dhankhar’s departure is strongly related to some political alignment and not some mere personal well-being.
Political Reactions
Following the departure of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, there have been multiple political reactions from both the opposition and the governing body. Congress stated that the resignation is not merely a personal decision but rather a politically induced strategy. JMM and RJD, on the other hand, demanded transparency over the issue and accused the centre of overreach. BJP strongly supported the step down of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar due to health constraints. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also issued a formal statement thanking the Vice President for his service and wishing him a healthy life ahead.
This divide in narrative between the government and the opposition is striking. The ruling party strongly supports the official reason of departure, while the opposition wishes to dig deeper into the issue, seeking transparency on the real reasons behind Dhankhar’s abrupt exit from the parliament.
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FAQs
Officially, it was reported that Vice President Dhankhar was suffering from a cardiac procedure; however, there have also been signs of political strains leading to the exit of the Vice President.
The controversy involving Justice Verma says that Dhankhar admitted a Rajya Sabha motion for the removal of the judge without government backing.
There are multiple post-retirement benefits that the Vice President receives, such as a pension, accommodation, and staff under the Vice President’s Pension Act, 1997.
No, this is the first time in Indian Politics when a Vice President had to step down from his post.
