Indian Vice President resigns citing health concerns

Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned late Monday night, citing health concerns and the need to prioritise medical care. The resignation, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, takes immediate effect. Sources told this newspaper that he is unlikely to attend the Parliament session on Tuesday.

In his letter, Dhankhar thanked the President for her “unwavering support” and the “soothing, wonderful working relationship” they shared. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers for their “invaluable support,” and wrote that the warmth and affection shown by Members of Parliament “will remain embedded in my memory.”

Describing his time in office as a “period of insight and privilege,” Dhankhar said it had been an honour to witness and take part in India’s economic transformation. “Serving in this transformative era of our nation’s history has been a true honor,” he wrote. As he demitted office, he said he was filled with pride in “Bharat’s global rise” and held “unwavering confidence” in its future.

Calling on both the ruling and opposition benches to “foster bonhomie and mutual respect, avoiding unbecoming language or personal attacks,” Dhankhar added: “While political parties may pursue the same goals through different approaches, no one in India opposes the nation’s interests… Dialogue and discussion, not conflict, are the way forward.”