Vice President's resignation ---
Vice President Resignation
- Resignation: Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, 2025 (Monsoon Session opening day), citing health reasons.
- Constitutional Basis: Invoked Article 67(a) (resignation to President).
- Historical Context: Only the 3rd VP to resign mid-term (after V.V. Giri & R. Venkataraman).
Constitutional Procedure & Succession
| Aspect | Provision |
|---|---|
| Resignation Process | Written resignation to President → Immediate effect upon acceptance. |
| Acting VP | No constitutional provision; Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman (Harivansh) presides. |
| Election Timeline | Must be held "as soon as possible" (no fixed deadline). |
| Tenure of New VP | Full 5-year term (not remainder of predecessor’s term). |
Election Process for Vice President
Eligibility (Article 66)
- Indian citizen, ≥35 years, qualified for Rajya Sabha membership.
- Must not hold any office of profit.
Electoral College
- Members of both Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha (including nominated MPs).
- No role for state legislatures.
Voting System
- Proportional Representation + Single Transferable Vote.
- Winning Quota:
(Total Valid Votes / 2) + 1
(Example: 780 valid votes → Quota = 390 + 1 = 391).
Role of Vice President
- Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha: Regulates proceedings, casts deciding vote.
- Acting President: Steps in during President’s absence/death (until new President is elected).
Previous Resignations: Comparative Analysis
| VP | Resignation Year | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| V.V. Giri | 1969 | Contested Presidential election |
| R. Venkataraman | 1984 | Contested Presidential election |
| Jagdeep Dhankhar | 2025 | Health grounds |