
Surprise Resignation
On July 21, 2025, Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down from his role as Vice President and Rajya Sabha chair, citing health concerns and medical advice
His resignation—just days after stating he would complete his term until August 2027—left
the political establishment reeling
Constitutional Transition
- Following his exit, Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, assumed the duties as acting Chairperson
- As mandated by law, a new Vice President must be elected within 60 days—by September 19, 2025 .Political Ripples & Speculation
- The BJP-led NDA is now evaluating potential candidates, including governors, senior party leaders, and Union ministers. Harivansh’s name has surfaced among possibilities
- Opposition voices, including Jairam Ramesh of Congress, have flagged “far deeper reasons” behind the timing—particularly related to a Business Advisory Committee meeting held earlier that day
His Legacy & Final Days in Office
- Dhankhar’s nearly three-year tenure was marked by assertive interventions—sparring with opposition voices in the Rajya Sabha and criticizing judicial processes
- On July 7, he publicly decried a scandal involving cash discovered at a judge’s residence and questioned post-retirement judicial ethics and the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers .
- Earlier in July, he also sparked controversy during a JNU conference on Indian Knowledge Systems by highlighting historical disruptions—leading to a brief protest and scuffle
- His Ernakulam visit prompted debate when Kerala health officials assigned doctors as “food-testing officers,” drawing criticism about protocol misuse
What to Watch Next
- A vice-presidential election must be held by mid-September.
- The NDA’s nominee will reflect its current political strategy—likely a dependable, non-controversial figure.
- Expect increased scrutiny of Rajya Sabha proceedings and potential shifts in parliamentary decor after his departure.
Jagdeep Dhankhar exits at a crossroads—his resignation opens a crucial constitutional vacancy and raises fresh questions about health, power dynamics, and parliamentary governance in India.
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