India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, aged 74, resigned unexpectedly on Monday, citing the need to prioritise his health and follow medical advice. In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu posted on social media, he announced his resignation with immediate effect.
Mr Dhankhar held the second-highest constitutional office and served as chair of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of parliament. His sudden departure has sparked political shock and speculation, with the opposition Congress party calling the move 'shocking and inexplicable'. Several opposition leaders noted he appeared healthy earlier in the day and questioned the timing, just before key parliamentary announcements and on the first day of the monsoon session.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that he had spoken to Mr Dhankhar hours before the resignation and that there was clearly more to the decision than meets the eye. Other MPs hinted at possible turmoil within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party or a constitutional crisis, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene.
The Indian Express reported an unscheduled meeting between Mr Dhankhar and President Murmu hours before his resignation, though no official confirmation was provided. The resignation comes amid past tensions between Mr Dhankhar and the opposition, including a no-confidence motion accusing him of bias as Rajya Sabha chair. As of now, the government has not named a successor.
