New Delhi| July, 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that Jagdeep Dhankhar has had “many opportunities to serve the country in various capacities”, a remark that came hours after the Vice President resigned from his post citing health reasons.
In a message posted in Hindi and English, PM Modi said, “Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health”. Dhankhar’s sudden resignation on Monday evening has triggered speculation in political circles. In a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, the 74-year-old leader said he was stepping down with immediate effect to “prioritise healthcare”, in line with medical advice.
“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,” Dhankhar wrote in his letter to the President. Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu accepted Dhankhar’s resignation and the President’ Office has forwarded the same to the Home Ministry for official notification.
Dhankhar took over as 14th Vice President of India in August 2022 and was expected to serve a five-year term till August 2027. His resignation, which also means stepping down as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, came on the opening day of the Monsoon session of Parliament. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh presided over the morning session on Tuesday in the absence of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who not only remained absent from the Upper House but is also unlikely to deliver his farewell speech.
