President appoints acting VP; election held within six months.

President appoints acting VP; election held within six months.

Meanwhile, interim arrangements may see the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha or another senior member stepping in temporarily.

A Rare Resignation: What Happens Now After Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Steps Down?

New Delhi: In a surprise move late Monday night, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation, creating a rare mid-term vacancy in one of India’s highest constitutional offices. His departure marks only the third time in independent India’s history that a sitting Vice-President has resigned before completing his full five-year term.

The resignation has triggered a flurry of political and constitutional activity in Delhi, with leaders from across the spectrum reflecting on Dhankhar’s tenure, the road ahead, and the responsibilities of the office he leaves behind.

A Historic Pattern

Jagdeep Dhankhar now joins a very exclusive list—of Vice-Presidents who have resigned mid-term. The first was V.V. Giri in 1969, who quit to contest the presidential elections after the sudden demise of President Zakir Husain. His successor, Gopal Swarup Pathak, took over later that year. A decade later, R. Venkataraman followed a similar path, resigning as Vice-President in 1984 to run for the presidency.

In both those cases, the Vice-Presidents resigned to take a shot at becoming the President—a move that eventually bore fruit. However, Dhankhar’s reasons for stepping down have not been officially detailed yet, adding a layer of intrigue to the development. Sources close to the matter suggest it may be a precursor to a larger political move, possibly tied to upcoming constitutional changes or presidential considerations.

The Constitutional Roadmap

Once a vacancy arises—whether due to resignation, death, or removal—an election must be held within six months. Until then, interim arrangements are put in place to ensure that the functioning of the Rajya Sabha, where the Vice-President serves as the ex-officio Chairman, is not hampered.

The election for the Vice-President is conducted by an electoral college consisting of members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Unlike the presidential election, the states and their legislative assemblies do not play a role here. All MPs, regardless of party affiliation, vote in a secret ballot using a system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote.

With the ruling coalition currently holding a significant majority in both Houses, the electoral math heavily favours a candidate from their side—unless, of course, there is cross-voting or strategic abstention, which Indian politics is no stranger to.

Who Holds the Fort in the Meantime?

In the immediate aftermath of Dhankhar’s resignation, the responsibility of presiding over the Rajya Sabha will likely fall to the Deputy Chairman, Harivansh Narayan Singh. A seasoned parliamentarian, he is expected to ensure that the functioning of the Upper House remains smooth and dignified, particularly as the monsoon session progresses.

Additionally, a senior panel of Vice-Chairpersons, usually drawn from across parties, may also be constituted to preside over specific sessions, ensuring balance and neutrality in parliamentary debates.

A Role Beyond Ceremonial

While the Vice-President’s role is often perceived as largely ceremonial, those familiar with the inner workings of Parliament know otherwise. As the Rajya Sabha Chairperson, the Vice-President has the delicate task of maintaining order in an often combative House. Dhankhar was known for his firm conduct, frequent interventions, and outspoken defence of parliamentary procedure.

His sudden exit leaves behind a mixed legacy—one where he was both praised for upholding the dignity of the House and criticised for perceived partisanship in some of his decisions. Whatever one’s view, few can deny the weight the Vice-President carries in India’s parliamentary democracy.

What Next?

The coming days will be crucial. Political parties will begin consultations on potential candidates, calculations will be made, and alliances tested. With India’s top constitutional positions at the heart of governance, the Vice-President’s office is more than just a stepping stone—it’s a seat of responsibility and influence.

As India now waits to see who will fill this constitutional vacuum, the larger story unfolding is one of continuity, procedure, and political intrigue—all playing out within the bounds of the Constitution.