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Sources close to the Vice President’s Secretariat told The News Dose that the decision was not sudden. Over the past several months, Dhankhar’s public appearances had become fewer, and insiders had noted the increasing role of his secretariat in handling day-to-day engagements. “It had been coming,” a senior Rajya Sabha official said. “There were quiet discussions in Raisina Hill corridors, but the Vice President wanted to leave on his own terms — gracefully and without fanfare.”

Thenewsdose.com

New Delhi |July 21,UPDATED:9.50PM 

In a move that took many by surprise, Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation on Monday, citing health concerns and the need to adhere to medical advice. The resignation, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu and effective immediately, was submitted under Article 67(a) of the Constitution of India.

Behind the Letter: Calm Departure, Growing Speculation

Sources close to the Vice President’s Secretariat told The News Dose that the decision was not sudden. Over the past several months, Dhankhar’s public appearances had become fewer, and insiders had noted the increasing role of his secretariat in handling day-to-day engagements. “It had been coming,” a senior Rajya Sabha official said. “There were quiet discussions in Raisina Hill corridors, but the Vice President wanted to leave on his own terms — gracefully and without fanfare.”

In his poignant resignation letter, Dhankhar expressed deep gratitude to President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Council of Ministers, and Members of Parliament for their trust and cooperation during his tenure. Describing his term as a “true honor,” he praised India’s exponential economic growth and “transformative era” in governance under the current leadership.

Dhankhar’s Legacy: A Constitutional Purist With a Lawyer’s Precision

Known for his calm demeanor and legal acumen, Jagdeep Dhankhar, a senior advocate and former West Bengal Governor, assumed the office of Vice President in August 2022. A nuanced balancing act marked his term — walking the tightrope between parliamentary decorum and robust debate as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Although he refrained from making headline-grabbing remarks, Dhankhar was vocal about preserving the sanctity of the Constitution and frequently emphasised the need for harmony between the legislature and the judiciary. His firm yet understated handling of Rajya Sabha proceedings earned him respect across party lines—a quality that will likely be remembered as part of his legacy.

Sources indicate that in the past few weeks, Dhankhar has conveyed to select senior ministers that he wants to step away due to “persistent health concerns that demanded attention.” According to a Cabinet Secretariat official, “He made it clear he wouldn’t want to hold constitutional responsibility without being 100% fit. That was typical Dhankhar — ethical and precise.”

Timing and Implications

The resignation comes at a politically sensitive time, just ahead of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session, with several key bills on the agenda and growing anticipation around the 2026 Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections. This sudden development could potentially accelerate backroom consultations within the ruling alliance and the opposition bloc to seek a consensus or a strategic candidate.

With Dhankhar stepping down, the Vice Presidential duties, including presiding over the Rajya Sabha, will temporarily fall under procedural adjustments until a new Vice President is elected.

Political observers believe Dhankhar’s exit may also trigger a fresh round of appointments and reshuffles in the top constitutional posts ahead of the 2026 national alignment.

A Letter Reflecting Dignity and Conviction

The resignation letter, dated July 21, 2025, reflects the values Dhankhar upheld throughout his public life. He spoke of the “trust, warmth and affection” received from MPs and the “soothing working relationship” with President Murmu — a line being read by some political watchers as a subtle contrast to his more strained ties as Governor of West Bengal during his earlier tenure.

In what reads like a quiet farewell rather than a political move, he concludes: “As I leave this esteemed office, I am filled with pride in Bharat’s global rise and phenomenal achievements and hold unwavering confidence in her brilliant future.”

Whether this is indeed a full stop or merely a pause in public life remains to be seen. But for now, Jagdeep Dhankhar has exited the political stage with the same quiet dignity that marked his three-year vice-regal journey.