A high-stakes political process to choose his successor has been sparked by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s shocking resignation on Monday night. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is anticipated to announce a candidate shortly.
After serving as vice president and chairman of the Rajya Sabha for three years, the 74-year-old statesman resigned, citing health issues. Dhankhar wrote his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu. He wrote, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.”
His resignation caught political circles, including the NDA itself, off guard as it fell on the opening day of Parliament’s monsoon session. As per news agency PTI, a BJP leader quoted, “We are still processing it. But I believe the party will choose someone who is a solid choice and is non-controversial.”
Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh Singh, a Janata Dal (United) MP who has served in the position since 2020 and is regarded as a reliable friend of the government, is one of the top candidates being evaluated for the position. The news agency reported that the BJP would also think about selecting a senior Union minister with parliamentary experience or a state governor, similar to Dhankhar, who was the governor of West Bengal before becoming vice president. Additionally, a high organisational leader is not being excluded.
A vacancy in the Vice President’s office due to resignation must be filled by election “as soon as possible” after it occurs, according to Article 68(2) of the Constitution. After taking office, the elected official will be in office for a complete five years. Apart from their position as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Constitution does not specify who will carry out the Vice President’s duties in the interim. This role may be carried out by the deputy chairman or another Rajya Sabha member designated by the president.
According to the constitution, a candidate for vice president of India must be an Indian citizen, be at least 35 years old, and be qualified to vote in the Rajya Sabha. Additionally, the Constitution forbids anyone in a profit-making position with the federal government, a state government, or a local or subordinate authority from running for office.
Dhankhar was supposed to hold office until 2027, but he took over in August 2022. During his term, he frequently clashed with Rajya Sabha opposition members and made controversial statements.