NEW DELHI, July 21: The Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, 74, has resigned his post citing “medical advice” and said he would “prioritise” his health. In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, he said his resignation would be effective immediately.
“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance wills Article 67(a) of the constitution,” his letter read. In the letter, he thanked the President “for her unwavering support and the soothing wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure.”
“I express my deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the esteemed Council of Ministers. Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office,” the letter read.
In March, Mr Dhankhar was admitted at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences following “cardiac-related ailments.” Last month, he had fainted while attending the Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Kumaon University.
Mr Dhankhar, who took over from Venkaiah Naidu in 2022 defeating the Opposition candidate Margaret Alva, still had two more years in office. The advocate-turned politician is best-known for his controversial role as the former Governor of Bengal, when his frequent run-ins with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee generated many a headline — his voice often more strident than that of the state’s opposition BJP.
On the occasion of his nomination, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the tenure of the leader dubbed “Kisan putra” will be “excellent, inspiring.” “Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has excellent knowledge of our Constitution. He is also well-versed with legislative affairs. I am sure that he will be an outstanding Chair in the Rajya Sabha & guide the proceedings of the House with the aim of furthering national progress,” he had posted on X after his election as the vice-president.
(Manas Dasgupta)
