PM Modi Wishes Jagdeep Dhankhar Good Health After His Resignation as Vice President

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns Citing Health Reasons; PM Modi Wishes Him Good Health

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes for good health to Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, a day after the latter resigned from his post citing health concerns. Modi also acknowledged Dhankhar’s contributions and service to the nation in multiple capacities over the years.

PM Modi took to social media platform X to express his appreciation, stating that Dhankhar had several opportunities to serve India in diverse roles, including his most recent position as the Vice-President of the country.

Jagdeep Dhankhar, who was elected as the 14th Vice-President of India in August 2022, still had two years remaining in his five-year term. However, he abruptly announced his resignation on Monday. His resignation letter was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu and was made effective immediately.

The resignation came in the middle of the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, raising eyebrows and sparking speculation, especially from the Opposition. While no official reason beyond "health concerns" was cited by Dhankhar, the timing of the resignation — coinciding with the first day of the Monsoon Session — led to considerable political chatter.

On Tuesday morning, Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Singh presided over the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), stepping in for Dhankhar. However, due to continuous protests and disruptions by members of the Opposition, the House was adjourned until 2 PM.

Opposition leaders reacted with curiosity and skepticism, noting the lack of detailed reasoning behind the Vice-President’s decision to step down. Some leaders questioned whether there were additional political or internal reasons behind the move. Despite the speculation, the government has yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.

Dhankhar's political career spans several decades. Before becoming Vice-President, he served as the Governor of West Bengal, where his tenure was marked by frequent clashes with the state government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Dhankhar has also served as a Member of Parliament and held a ministerial position in the central government in the 1990s.

His resignation is seen as a significant development in India’s political landscape, given that the role of the Vice-President also includes being the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha — a position crucial for the smooth functioning of the Upper House. With his departure, political observers are watching closely to see who will be nominated or elected to succeed him and how the transition will affect legislative proceedings.

As of now, Vice-President Dhankhar’s exit leaves a temporary vacuum in the functioning of the Rajya Sabha, which is already witnessing turbulence due to contentious issues raised by the Opposition during the Monsoon Session. The coming days will likely see further developments, both in terms of political responses and the procedural steps to appoint a new Vice-President.