Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, citing health considerations and the need to follow medical advice. The resignation, effective immediately, marks an unexpected end to his tenure, which commenced in August 2022. This development triggers the constitutional process for the swift election of a new Vice President.

In his letter to President Murmu, Dhankhar conveyed his decision to "prioritise health care" and adhere to medical directives. He expressed profound gratitude for the "unwavering support" extended by President Murmu, characterizing their working relationship as "soothing and wonderful." The outgoing Vice President also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers, acknowledging the Prime Minister's support as "invaluable" and reflecting on the privilege of witnessing India's "remarkable economic progress" and "unprecedented exponential development" during his time in office.

The vacancy in the Vice President's office necessitates immediate action by the Election Commission of India. As per constitutional mandate, the Election Commission will initiate the process to elect a new Vice President "as soon as possible." The Vice President is chosen by an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament – the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha – through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote, cast by secret ballot. The newly elected Vice President will serve a full five-year term from the date of assuming office.

During the interim period, the duties of the Vice President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha will be discharged by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, or any other member of the Upper House authorized by the President. Dhankhar's resignation, coming on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, is poised to prompt extensive political consultations and maneuvering among political parties as they prepare for the upcoming vice-presidential election.