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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday, the first day of the Monsoon Session that faced frequent adjournments over an immediate debate on Operation Sindoor. The move has not only surprised the government but also stunned the Opposition.

Dhankhar, in a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, said he was resigning from the post "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice".

With Dhankhar stepping down as Vice President, the process to elect his successor must be initiated without delay, as mandated by the Constitution. Article 68(2) specifies that an election to fill a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, arising due to resignation, death, removal or otherwise, must be conducted “as soon as possible”.

VP Dhankhar Resigns: Who Will Perform His Duties

The elected individual will serve a full five-year term from the date of assuming office, irrespective of the unexpired term of the outgoing Vice President. However, the Constitution remains silent on who would perform the Vice President’s duties in the interim, especially if the vacancy arises unexpectedly or when the Vice President is discharging presidential responsibilities.

The only defined arrangement is that of the Vice President’s role as Rajya Sabha Chairperson, which, during a vacancy, is handled by the Deputy Chairperson or another member designated by the President.

The Vice President, India’s second-highest constitutional authority, holds office for five years but continues in position until a successor takes charge. The post is filled through an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament, under a system of proportional representation via a single transferable vote.

Eligibility criteria include Indian citizenship, a minimum age of 35, and qualifications to become a Rajya Sabha member. Individuals holding any office of profit under the central or state governments are barred from contesting.