New Delhi: In a surprise late-evening development, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar announced his resignation on Monday. Addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, his resignation read that he was stepping down from his post with immediate effect, two years to go for the end of his five-year tenure, citing health concerns. Hence it is unlikely that Dhankhar will be presiding over the Rajya Sabha in his capacity as its ex-officio Chairman on Tuesday.
“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution,” Dhankhar said in his letter to the president.
It is being claimed that the entire script of Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation was written in the high-level meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi after the uproar by the opposition on the first day of the monsoon session. Not only this, before Dhankhar’s resignation, there was a lot of activity in the office of senior BJP leader and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. According to sources, a BJP MP had said on the condition of anonymity that he was made to sign a white paper.
While Opposition leaders speculated about the reasons for his resignation, coming on the first day of the Monsoon Session, there was no immediate reaction from the government. With this, begins the race to choose the next Vice President of India.
Who Will Be Next Vice President of India?
Jagdeep Dhankar had resumed office as the President of India on August 2022. With the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) enjoying a majority in the electorate, which includes the members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, it was taken by surprise by Jagdeep Dhankhar’s decision to quit.
We are still processing it. But I believe the party will choose someone who is a solid choice and is non-controversial,” a BJP leader said, suggesting that a veteran party hand might be the preferred option.
According to the Constitution, once the post of the vice president is vacant, the election to appoint the successor has to be held as soon as possibly. According to Clause 2 of Article 68 of the Constitution, an election to fill a vacancy in the office of the vice president occurring due to his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise will be held “as soon as possible” after it goes vacant.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, a Janata Dal (United) MP, is also being seen as a probable as he has been serving in the position since 2020 and enjoys the government’s trust.
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