In a development that has stirred the political corridors of Delhi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned mid-term citing health reasons, triggering the constitutional process for electing India’s next vice president. His resignation, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, comes on the first day of the Monsoon session, raising questions about the timeline and the process that will now follow for India’s second-highest constitutional office, which plays a critical role as Rajya Sabha Chairman and as a key figure in maintaining legislative balance.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, 74, who took charge as Vice President in August 2022, has resigned with immediate effect, cutting short a term that was to end in August 2027. His letter to President Murmu stated, “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.” This unexpected move has come at a time when the Parliament’s Monsoon session has just begun, leading to immediate procedural and political recalibrations across parties.
What the Constitution Says About Filling the Vacancy ?
Under Clause 2 of Article 68 of the Constitution, an election to fill the vacancy in the office of the Vice President occurring due to resignation, death, removal, or otherwise, must be held “as soon as possible” after the vacancy arises. The clause further states that the person elected to fill this vacancy will be entitled to hold office for a full five-year term from the date of assuming office, subject to Article 67 provisions.
This means India will now witness the Election Commission preparing to announce the schedule for the vice-presidential election shortly, as the constitutional requirement does not allow for prolonged vacancies in this critical office. The Vice President, who is also the Rajya Sabha Chairman, plays a crucial role in managing the legislative proceedings of the Upper House, and Jagdeep Dhankhar’s absence will require a swift replacement to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament during the ongoing session and beyond.
The Vice President’s office is India’s second-highest constitutional post, integral not only to the Rajya Sabha’s functioning but also as part of the constitutional framework designed to maintain a stable leadership structure within the Union government. According to the Constitution, while the Vice President serves a five-year term, they can continue in office even after their term expires until their successor formally takes charge.
How the Vice President of India Is Elected ?
The election of the Vice President is governed by Article 66 of the Constitution, which states that the Vice President is elected by an Electoral College comprising members of both Houses of Parliament, using the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
For eligibility, a candidate must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, and qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Additionally, the candidate should not hold any office of profit under the Government of India, a state government, or any subordinate local authority, ensuring that the position remains free of direct government influence.
The process typically involves the Election Commission issuing a notification for the election schedule, followed by the nomination, scrutiny, and withdrawal phases before the final voting by MPs. Given the urgency implied by the Constitution’s mandate of “as soon as possible,” it is expected that the Election Commission will announce the schedule imminently to ensure a seamless transition, particularly as the Monsoon session continues.
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation comes at a politically sensitive time, as Parliament is set to debate key bills, and the government, along with opposition parties, will now need to navigate the Rajya Sabha’s proceedings without a full-time Vice President presiding, until a new one is elected. The role of the Vice President as the Rajya Sabha Chairman is significant, given the Upper House’s importance in India’s legislative process, particularly in scrutinising bills and providing a platform for debate on national issues.
The election will once again bring focus on the consensus-building and political negotiations required among parties, as the Vice President’s election, while determined by numbers, often reflects the broader political dynamics within Parliament. While the ruling alliance’s numbers typically provide an advantage in such elections, the opposition may use this moment to consolidate its position on issues of parliamentary procedure and legislative scrutiny.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, who served as West Bengal Governor before becoming Vice President, was known for his active engagement with parliamentary procedures and often made headlines for his assertive stance in Rajya Sabha proceedings. His tenure witnessed debates on a range of issues, from legislative disruptions to key bills, and his role as a constitutional authority was critical in ensuring order during heated debates. His sudden resignation, therefore, not only creates a constitutional vacancy but also marks the end of a significant chapter in India’s parliamentary functioning during a politically charged period.
As India prepares for the upcoming election to fill the Vice President’s office, the coming weeks will witness the procedural machinery moving swiftly under the constitutional mandate. For the MPs, it will be a critical responsibility to elect the next Vice President who will be tasked with steering the Rajya Sabha and upholding the constitutional framework in a complex and evolving political environment.
