Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation on Monday evening has triggered the search for his successor, catching the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) off guard. With a majority in the electoral college—which includes members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—the NDA was not expecting such an abrupt move, especially just two years into Dhankhar’s five-year term.
Dhankhar, 74, cited medical reasons for his resignation, which he submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, stepping down with immediate effect in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution. In his letter, he stated, "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately." His departure came on the very first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament, adding to the surprise and urgency surrounding the development.
Before becoming Vice President in August 2022, Dhankhar had served as the Governor of West Bengal and was chosen by the NDA as its official candidate for the high constitutional office. As Vice President, he also held the position of Rajya Sabha Chairman. Despite his brief tenure, he frequently clashed with the opposition in the Upper House. His candid comments on controversial topics frequently sparked discussions and occasionally even made the government clearly uncomfortable.
The timing of Dhankhar’s resignation raised eyebrows as it came just hours after dramatic developments in the Rajya Sabha. An opposition-backed motion to remove Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma was submitted to Dhankhar and was subsequently mentioned in the House. The move reportedly took the government by surprise, especially since it had initiated a similar notice in the Lok Sabha, with support from the opposition. The day’s sequence of events added to the speculation surrounding Dhankhar’s exit.
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With the post now vacant, the BJP and the NDA are expected to deliberate on potential candidates in the coming days. Given the NDA’s comfortable numbers, the ruling alliance is well-placed to install a successor of its choice. Likely options could include a sitting governor—as Dhankhar himself had been before his elevation—or a seasoned organisational leader, or even a Union minister. The BJP has a broad talent pool to consider.
Party insiders suggest that a non-controversial, experienced leader may be preferred. "We are still processing it. But I believe the party will choose someone who is a solid choice and is non-controversial," a senior BJP leader remarked. This aligns with the precedent set in 2017 when M Venkaiah Naidu, a former BJP president and then Cabinet minister, was nominated for the role and elected as Dhankhar’s predecessor.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, a Janata Dal (United) MP who has been in his current position since 2020 and is renowned for having the government's trust, is one of the names being floated. He might be a reliable and viable successor given his background in the Rajya Sabha and his current role as deputy. A constitutional vacancy has been created by Dhankhar's resignation, which has also raised concerns about timing, internal dynamics, and the direction of the Rajya Sabha's leadership as the political establishment prepares for the selection process.
Also Read: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigns
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