Jagdeep Dhankhar is third Vice President to resign before term ends

New Delhi: Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on Monday has made him only the third Vice President in India’s history to step down before completing his term, marking a rare moment in the annals of Indian constitutional offices.

Dhankhar, who was sworn in as the 14th Vice President of India on August 11, 2022, tendered his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, citing health reasons. His exit came as a surprise and follows his recent hospitalization for cardiac issues at AIIMS-Delhi earlier this year. In his letter, Dhankhar noted that he was “prioritizing healthcare on medical advice,” and thanked the President, Prime Minister, and MPs for their support during his tenure.

Historical precedent: VV Giri and R Venkataraman

Jagdeep Dhankhar now joins an exclusive list that includes VV Giri and R Venkataraman- two Vice Presidents who resigned before the end of their terms, both to ascend to the nation’s highest office.

VV Giri, the first to do so, resigned from the Vice Presidency on July 20, 1969, to contest the presidential election after the sudden demise of President Zakir Husain. Giri briefly served as Acting President and was subsequently elected President of India.

Similarly, R Venkataraman resigned as Vice President in July 1987, after being elected to the presidency. He had served as Vice President from August 1984 to July 1987 before assuming the country’s top constitutional post until 1992.

A rare constitutional event

Dhankhar’s resignation, effective immediately, comes at the start of the crucial Monsoon Session of Parliament, prompting the process for electing a new Vice President under Article 68 of the Constitution. Until a successor is chosen, constitutional protocols will be followed for Rajya Sabha and legislative functioning.

During his tenure, Dhankhar was known for his outspoken style, frequent run-ins with the opposition, and his sharp critique of the Supreme Court’s interventions in executive matters. His abrupt exit, however, underscores the importance of transparency around the health of public officials, a topic that has received growing attention in Indian political circles.