Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reacted to the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, extending his good wishes and acknowledging Dhankhar's long service to the nation.
“Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The message came a day after Dhankhar, 74, submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, citing medical reasons. In his letter, he wrote, “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's resignation marks an abrupt end to his five-year term which began in August 2022 and was originally set to run until August 2027. As Vice President, he also served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
{{/usCountry}}Dhankhar's resignation marks an abrupt end to his five-year term which began in August 2022 and was originally set to run until August 2027. As Vice President, he also served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
{{/usCountry}}His departure on the very first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament has triggered a wave of speculation in political and media circles, though no further details about his health condition were provided in the resignation letter.
Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden exit
Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in August 2022.
In his resignation letter, Dhankhar said, "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."
He also thanked PM Modi, Council of Ministers and MPs for their support and cooperation during his 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 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," Dhankhar said.