In an unexpected move, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday, citing medical reasons. The 74-year-old made the announcement shortly after presiding over the Monsoon Session's opening day in his capacity as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

His departure marks him as the seventh Vice President in India’s history to not complete the constitutionally mandated five-year tenure.

In his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar wrote, “Following medical guidance and in order to prioritise my health, I hereby step down from the office of Vice President of India with immediate effect, as per Article 67(a) of the Constitution.” The letter was made public by the Vice President’s Office.

According to the Constitution, the Vice President remains in office until a new one is elected, even after resigning.

Expressing appreciation for President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhankhar noted the support he received during his time in office. “I am deeply grateful for the consistent encouragement from the Hon’ble President and the enriching working relationship we shared. I also sincerely thank the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers for their invaluable cooperation,” he stated.

Dhankhar’s health had been a concern earlier this year, when he was hospitalised at AIIMS in March due to chest discomfort. More recently, he fainted during a university event in Nainital.

Before announcing his resignation, Dhankhar addressed a motion in the Rajya Sabha concerning Justice Yashwant Varma. He informed members that a proposal to impeach the judge, signed by over 50 Rajya Sabha members, had been submitted and instructed officials to verify whether a similar petition had been introduced in the Lok Sabha.

He clarified that if such motions are submitted on different days in both Houses, only the earlier one is valid. If tabled simultaneously, a different constitutional procedure applies.

Dhankhar also raised concerns over the authenticity of the signatures on the impeachment plea, revealing that one name appeared twice, prompting him to order a verification.

Known for his candid views, Dhankhar frequently questioned the judiciary’s role, maintaining that Parliament holds ultimate authority. He recently criticised the Supreme Court for directing the President and Governors on timelines to clear state bills, arguing that such actions blur the lines between judicial and legislative powers.

“These judges seem to want to legislate, run the executive, and override Parliament, all without facing any accountability,” he had remarked.