Who Will Be The Next Vice President of India After Jagdeep Dhankhar's Resignation?

In a surprising development, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned from his post on Monday, citing health concerns.

In his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, he stated: "To prioritise 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."

The 74-year-old leader expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve during a pivotal phase in India's growth, saying it had been a "privilege and satisfaction to witness and partake in India's remarkable economic progress and unprecedented exponential development during this significant period." He added that serving in this "transformative era of our nation's history has been a true honour."

Dhankhar, who assumed office in August 2022, was hospitalized at AIIMS-Delhi in March this year for cardiac-related issues.

His decision to stepdown on the day the first day of the monsoon session has caught the MPs and mainly the Opposition leaders by surprise. "No doubt Mr Dhankhar has to give topmost priority to his health. But, clearly there is far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye." Ramesh, however, cautioned against any speculation at this stage, emphasising the need for clarity and transparency," senior Congress leader Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said. He also urged the Prime Minister Modi to persuade him to reconsider his decision.

Communist Party of India (CPI) MP P Sandosh Kumar stated that the development is quite unexpected and we don't know what the reasons are".

"I don't think that the president of India will accept it. This might be an initial reaction from his side. He might be dissatisfied with some developments," Kumar added.

What Next? Who Will Be The Next Vice President?

The immediate question that comes to a common man is - who will be the next Vice President of India? Since he has stepped down during the beginning of the monsoon season, people want to know who will be his immediate replacement.

As per Article 91 of the Constitution, the Vice President serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In the event of a vacancy, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is empowered to temporarily assume the Chairman's responsibilities. In this case, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, a Janata Dal (United) MP, will take over his responsibilities.

Process for Electing a New Vice President

With Dhankhar's resignation, a new Vice President must be elected within 60 days, by September 19, 2025, as per Articles 63 to 71 of the Constitution and the Vice-President (Election) Rules, 1974.

The electoral college consists of all members of both Houses of Parliament-788 MPs (543 in Lok Sabha and 245 in Rajya Sabha). The election follows a proportional representation system via single transferable vote, conducted through a secret ballot.

Given the BJP-led NDA's majority in Parliament, the ruling alliance is expected to play a decisive role in selecting the next Vice President.

Potential Candidates for Vice President

Speculation is rife over possible successors, including former governors (like Dhankhar, who was West Bengal Governor before becoming Vice President), senior BJP leaders, or Union ministers.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh is also seen as a probable candidate, having served in the role since 2020 and enjoying the government's confidence.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the poll schedule soon.