Jagdeep Dhankhar Steps Down: What Happens Next, Who Will Preside Over Rajya Sabha, and When Is the Next Vice Presidential Poll?
Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar Resignation: VP Dhankhar stepped down from his post on Monday, citing health-related concerns.
Following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation as the Vice President of India on Monday evening, the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha will serve as the Acting Chairperson of the Upper House of Parliament, as laid down by constitutional provisions.
Currently, this position is occupied by Harivansh Narayan Singh, who was appointed in August 2022. He will perform the responsibilities temporarily until a new Vice President is elected. As per the Constitution, the Vice President functions as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Dhankhar stepped down citing medical reasons. “To prioritise 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,” he mentioned in his letter to the President.
What Follows After Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation?
- Resignation Submitted (July 21, 2025)
- Harivansh Narayan Singh to act as Rajya Sabha Chairperson.
- The Election Commission will announce the election schedule.
- BJP-led NDA and the INDIA bloc to declare their candidates in the upcoming days.
- Members of Parliament will vote. The Single Transferable Vote system ensures a majority decision — MPs rank candidates by preference.
- The newly elected Vice President will assume office once the result is announced.
Vice Presidential Election Procedure
A formal election to fill the vacancy must be conducted within 60 days of the resignation. The voting process involves all elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament, and it uses a proportional representation system via the single transferable vote method.
The election must be concluded by September 19, 2025. MPs will vote through a secret ballot using the single transferable vote system. A Returning Officer will be designated to oversee the election process.
Only Members of Parliament (MPs) — from both the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House), including nominated members — are eligible to vote in the Vice Presidential election.
Members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) do not participate in this election.
