New Delhi: In the wake of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has kickstarted the formal process to elect his successor, setting the political stage for a significant leadership transition.
Dhankhar, who stepped down unexpectedly on Tuesday evening citing health reasons, saw his resignation promptly acknowledged and notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The move caught many by surprise, prompting speculation across party lines.
Under Article 324 of the Constitution, the ECI has begun mobilizing the electoral college—consisting of elected and nominated members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—to conduct the Vice-Presidential election. The process will follow the standard 32-day timeline, including nomination filing, scrutiny, withdrawal, and voting.
Until a new Vice President is sworn in, Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh will temporarily preside over the Rajya Sabha. With the Monsoon Session nearing its end, it is likely the newly elected Vice President will assume office only during the Winter Session, unless the schedule is fast-tracked.
Inside sources suggest that discussions are already underway within the NDA to finalize a potential candidate. Meanwhile, opposition voices, including Ashok Gehlot, have hinted that Dhankhar may have faced political pressure leading to his abrupt departure—despite official reasons citing health concerns.
