ЁЯПЫя╕П Introduction
The Vice President of India holds the second-highest constitutional position, following the President. The resignation from this post is rare but allowed under the Constitution. When a Vice President steps down, it initiates a chain of events impacting both Parliamentary leadership and national governance.
Recently, Jagdeep DhankharтАФIndiaтАЩs 14th Vice PresidentтАФresigned on 21 July 2025, citing health reasons. This event marked a historic first in Indian politics and triggered widespread constitutional, political, and legal analysis.
This Chandra Classes blog offers a detailed breakdown of:
- Relevant constitutional provisions (Articles 63тАУ68, 89)
- The reason and implications of DhankharтАЩs resignation
- Post-resignation benefits
- Exam-relevant questions and FAQs
ЁЯУЬ Constitutional Provision for Resignation
ЁЯФ╣ Article 67(b) тАУ Resignation
“The Vice President may, by writing under his hand addressed to the President, resign his office.”
ЁЯФ╕ No need for Parliamentary approval
ЁЯФ╕ Resignation is immediate upon PresidentтАЩs acceptance
ЁЯФ╣ Article 68(2)
“An election to fill a vacancyтАж shall be held as soon as possible, and in no case later than six months.”
ЁЯУЕ Jagdeep DhankharтАЩs Resignation: Real-Life Context
- Date of Resignation: 21 July 2025
- Reason Cited: Health grounds (following multiple hospitalizations and fainting episodes)
- President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation with immediate effect.
ЁЯй║ Medical Background:
- Hospitalized at AIIMS Delhi in March 2025
- Public collapse in June 2025
- Medical team advised stepping down from public office
ЁЯЧгя╕П тАЬTo prioritise health and follow medical advice, I hereby resignтАжтАЭ тАУ Jagdeep Dhankhar, resignation letter
ЁЯХ╡я╕ПтАНтЩВя╕П Political & Parliamentary Implications
тЮд Disruption in Rajya Sabha
- The VP is ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
- His resignation affected legislative debates, decision-making, and bill passage
- Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh assumed temporary charge
тЮд Election of New Vice President
- ECI will conduct the election within 6 months
- Voting is done by electoral college (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha MPs) via proportional representation
тЮд Political Speculations
While officially attributed to health, leaders like Ashok Gehlot and P. Chidambaram hinted at:
- Pressure from ruling party
- Disagreements with government on constitutional issues
- Boycotts of committee meetings and internal rifts
ЁЯФБ What Happens After Resignation?
1. Vacancy Declared
- Office becomes vacant immediately upon resignation
2. Temporary Arrangements
- Deputy Chairperson presides over the Rajya Sabha
- If both President and VP are absent, Chief Justice of India (CJI) may temporarily assume Presidential duties
3. Election within 6 Months
- Mandated by Article 68(2)
- Overseen by the Election Commission of India
ЁЯз╛ Post-Resignation Benefits (As per VP Pension Act, 1997)
| Benefit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| ЁЯТ░ Pension | тВ╣4 lakh per month |
| ЁЯПа Accommodation | Rent-free government bungalow in Delhi or HRA |
| ЁЯЪЧ Travel Allowance | Free air/train travel across India |
| ЁЯСитАНЁЯТ╝ Office Staff | Private Secretary, driver, peon |
| ЁЯЫбя╕П Security | Continued personal security |
| ЁЯПе Medical | Full CGHS (Central Govt. Health Scheme) access |
| ЁЯОЦя╕П Ceremonial Honors | State protocol and VIP treatment |
ЁЯдФ Why Might a Vice President Resign?
- Health-related concerns or old age
- Voluntary retirement from politics
- Ambitions to contest for President
- Political pressure or disagreements
- Ethical or symbolic reasons
ЁЯУШ Key Constitutional Articles
| Article | Description |
|---|---|
| 63 | There shall be a Vice President of India |
| 66 | Election process for VP |
| 67(b) | Resignation procedure |
| 68(2) | Election timeline for vacancy |
| 89(1) | VP as Chairman of Rajya Sabha |
ЁЯФН Exam-Oriented FAQs (Chandra Classes Focused)
Q1. Who accepts the resignation of the Vice President?
A: The President of India.
Q2. How long to elect a new Vice President?
A: Within 6 months (Article 68(2)).
Q3. Can a former VP be re-elected?
A: Yes, if not otherwise disqualified.
Q4. Who chairs Rajya Sabha after resignation?
A: The Deputy Chairperson until a new VP is elected.
Q5. Does resignation bar future political roles?
A: No. The former VP can contest elections or hold public office again.
Q6. Is resignation of Vice President common?
A: No. Jagdeep Dhankhar is the first VP to resign mid-term.
Q7. How does this affect exam preparation?
A: This topic is highly relevant for UPSC, State PCS, SSC, Judiciary, and Law entrances. Expect MCQs, Current Affairs questions, and Mains-based essay questions.
ЁЯОп Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Office Vacated | Vice President of India |
| Date of Resignation | 21 July 2025 |
| Successor Yet to be Elected | Election within 6 months |
| Temporary Chair of Rajya Sabha | Harivansh Narayan Singh |
| Real Cause | Health + Political Speculation |
| Benefits | Pension, security, travel, CGHS |
ЁЯза Chandra Classes Tips for Aspirants
ЁЯЦКя╕П Learn the exact Articles (especially 67(b), 68(2))
ЁЯУЪ Revise constitutional roles of VP from LaxmikanthтАЩs Polity
ЁЯзй Practice questions in Chandra Classes’s Polity Test Series
ЁЯОп Use DhankharтАЩs case as current example in UPSC Mains or Essay
тЬНя╕П Conclusion
The resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice President marks a rare and constitutionally significant moment in IndiaтАЩs political journey. While the Constitution provides a structured response to such events, the political undercurrents make it all the more important for aspirants to study it deeply.
From Article 67(b) to post-retirement privileges, understanding every angle of this event enhances your exam preparation and political awareness.
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