**Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns as Vice President of India to Focus on Health**
In a surprising turn of events, Jagdeep Dhankhar announced his resignation as the Vice President of India on Monday, citing a need to prioritize healthcare. The 74-year-old politician, who has held the position since 2022, made this announcement after presiding over the first day of the Monsoon Session as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
By stepping down, Dhankhar becomes the seventh Vice President in Indian history to resign before completing a full five-year term. In a letter released by the Vice President’s office, he stated, “To prioritize 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.”
According to Article 67 of the Indian Constitution, which outlines the term of office for the Vice President, Dhankhar will remain in office until a successor is elected. In his resignation letter, he expressed gratitude to the President and the Prime Minister, saying, “I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency – the Hon’ble President of India for her unwavering support and the 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. The Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office.”
During the session, Dhankhar also addressed a letter he received from over 50 Rajya Sabha members requesting the formation of a committee for the removal of Justice Varma. He instructed the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha to verify whether a similar motion had been introduced in the Lok Sabha. “This is being done in accordance with the procedure. If the motion is presented in both houses on different days, the motion presented first is taken into consideration. If it’s on the same day, provisions are different,” he explained.
Interestingly, while discussing the impeachment case of Justice Yashwant Varma, Dhankhar noted that one of the 55 signatures on the motion had been duplicated, prompting an inquiry. “Earlier, we received a motion with 55 signatures. One signature was mentioned twice, so we conducted an inquiry. It was important to get to the bottom of the issue. The process was initiated for verification of signatures, and that process is ongoing. We will update the House,” he stated.
In conclusion, Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation marks a significant moment in Indian politics, highlighting the importance of health and well-being, even at the highest levels of government.
**FAQ**
*What prompted Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation as Vice President?*
Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned to prioritize his healthcare needs, following medical advice, and will remain in office until a successor is elected.