Amit Shah: Dhankhar Resigned as VP Due to Health Issues

RR Team

3 months ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has clarified that former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from office purely on account of health concerns. Shah dismissed ongoing speculation about Dhankhar’s sudden resignation, urging political circles not to “stretch it too much.”

“Dhankhar ji was sitting on a constitutional post and during his tenure, he did good work according to the Constitution. He has resigned due to his personal health problem. One should not try to stretch it too much and find something,” Shah told on Sunday.

Resignation Letter to President Murmu

Jagdeep Dhankhar, who assumed office in August 2022, tendered his resignation in July 2025. In his letter to President Droupadi Murmu, the 72-year-old cited medical advice and the need to prioritize his well-being. His resignation took immediate effect under Article 67(a) of the Constitution.

“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately,” Dhankhar wrote. He also expressed gratitude to President Murmu for her “unwavering support” and their “harmonious working relationship.”

Dhankhar’s Tenure and Contributions

During his tenure, Dhankhar also served as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Known for his sharp interventions and strong defense of constitutional processes, he was often a central figure in parliamentary proceedings. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Council of Ministers, and Members of Parliament for their cooperation and trust.

“Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office,” he noted in his farewell message, calling his rapport with MPs a “cherished memory.”

Opposition’s Questions

Despite Shah’s clarification, opposition leaders have continued to raise concerns. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi recently questioned Dhankhar’s absence from public life following his resignation. “There is a big story about why he resigned. Some of you might know it, some of you might not. But there is a story behind it,” Gandhi said while addressing Opposition MPs.

Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also demanded an official statement on Dhankhar’s whereabouts earlier this month, claiming his prolonged silence was unusual for someone who had been such a prominent parliamentary voice.

Upcoming Vice President Polls

The Vice President election is scheduled for September 9. The ruling NDA has nominated CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate, while the Opposition has fielded retired Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy.

With Dhankhar stepping down two years before completing his term, the contest for his successor has gained added political significance. The next Vice President will also serve as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, a role crucial to parliamentary functioning.