Only Three Vice Presidents Have Resigned Mid-Term — Jagdeep Dhankhar Joins the List

National News: On the very first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar made a surprise announcement—he has resigned from his post with immediate effect, citing health concerns. Dhankhar, who also served as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, submitted his resignation to the President of India under the provisions of Article 67(a) of the Constitution, which allows the Vice President to step down voluntarily.

His resignation has sparked intense political activity in New Delhi. With the Vice President’s post now vacant, the key question being asked is: Who will be the next Vice President of India? Notably, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds a majority in the Rajya Sabha, giving it an upper hand in the upcoming election.

Third Vice President in Indian History to Quit

Jagdeep Dhankhar became the 14th Vice President of India on August 11, 2022, and had been serving as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for the last three years. His decision to resign has made him the third Vice President in Indian history to leave office before completing the full five-year term.

Previously, in 1997, then Vice President Krishna Kant passed away during his tenure. He took the oath of office on August 21, 1997, and died on July 27, 2002 while still in office. Similarly, in 1974, B.D. Jatti resigned from the post of Vice President before completing his term, as he was appointed the acting President of India following the death of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.

With Dhankhar's resignation now formally accepted, the process to elect a new Vice President must begin at the earliest. According to Article 68(2) of the Constitution, if a vacancy arises due to resignation, death, or removal, the election for the next Vice President must be held as soon as possible.

Who Can Become the Vice President?

The Constitution of India lays down certain eligibility criteria for the post of Vice President:

• The candidate must be a citizen of India.
• He or she must have reached 35 years of age.
• The candidate must submit a security deposit of ₹15,000 along with the nomination papers.
• If the candidate fails to secure at least one-sixth of the valid votes, the deposit is forfeited.

Who Votes in the Vice Presidential Election?

The electoral college for the Vice Presidential election includes Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Unlike the Presidential election, members of state legislative assemblies do not participate. Importantly, nominated members of the Rajya Sabha are also entitled to vote in this election.

As the political circles prepare for the next big contest, the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar has once again brought constitutional provisions into the spotlight. All eyes are now on the Election Commission and the major political parties as the nation waits to know who will take over one of the highest constitutional offices in the country.