New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from office on Monday, citing health concerns. In a letter addressed to the President, Dhankhar said he was stepping down “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice.”
“To prioritise 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,” he stated in the letter.
Dhankhar had assumed office on 11 August, 2022, succeeding Venkaiah Naidu.
He expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for her “unwavering support and the soothing, wonderful working relationship” during his tenure in his letter.
He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers, terming the PM’s support “invaluable” and adding that he had “learned much” during his time in office.
“I express my deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the esteemed Council of Ministers. (The) Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office,” the 74-year-old wrote.
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) July 21, 2025
Dhankhar said the “warmth, trust, and affection I have received from all the Hon’ble Members of Parliament would ever be cherished and embedded in my memory.” “I am deeply thankful for the invaluable experiences and insights I have gained as Vice President in our great democracy,” he added.
Terming it a “privilege” and “satisfaction” to witness and partake in India’s economic progress and unprecedented exponential development, he said that it was a true honour to serve in “this transformative era of our nation’s history.”
“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,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Dhankhar, who is the ex-officio Rajya Sabha Chairman, had called on all political parties to uphold mutual respect and avoid “constant acrimony”, warning that a thriving democracy cannot function amid relentless hostility.
In his opening remarks as the Rajya Sabha proceedings began Monday, he had said that India’s historical strength lies in discourse, dialogue, and deliberation, which should guide Parliament.
Before being elevated as the 14th Vice President, Dhankhar had served as the governor of West Bengal. He was elected to the 9th Lok Sabha from Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu in 1989 and became the Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs the next year. He was elected to the Rajasthan Assembly from Kishangarh in 1993.
(Edited by Tony Rai)