Jagdeep Dhankhar resigns as Vice President, citing Health issues amid political backdrop
New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stunned Parliament on July 21 by submitting his immediate resignation under article 67(a) of the constitution, citing medical advice and a need to prioritize his health
In his resignation letter to President, Draupadi Murmu, Dhankhar stated:
“To prioritize 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”
Aged 74, he recently underwent angioplasty at AIIMS and suffered a fainting episode in Uttarakhand- events citied as validating his decisions.
Dhankhar resignation came at the start of monsoon season, after he presided over Rajya Sabha and chaired at Business advisory committee. Known for his outspoken style, Dhankhar frequently clashed with both judiciary and political adversaries during his stint as governor of West Bengal and later as Vice President of India
What happens next
With VP seat now vacant, the NDA is already holding consultations on a successor
In the interim, the deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha will oversee the proceedings as per constitutional provisions