Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns As Vice President Citing Health Reasons; Speculation Abounds Over Successor

In his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, he cited health reasons and the need to prioritise medical care for giving up the post: "To prioritize health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.”

In his letter, Dhankhar also expressed gratitude to President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers.

The 74-year-old's resignation comes on the first day of the Monsoon session of the Parliament. Dhankhar in fact presided over Rajya Sabha proceedings earlier on 21 July.

Dhankhar's resignation has set off intense speculations regarding the identity of his successor with the names of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar coming up frequently in online buzz.

The Election Commission of India is expected to announce a timeline for the election of the new Vice President in the coming days. Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh will preside over the Upper House until a new Vice President is elected.