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In a significant development in India’s constitutional landscape, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officially notified the resignation of Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the 14th Vice President of India, on July 22, 2025. This announcement triggers the process for electing a new Vice President.
Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, a seasoned politician and former Governor of West Bengal, took office as India’s 14th Vice President on August 11, 2022. His resignation, the reasons for which have not been disclosed, comes more than two years into his tenure and before the natural completion of his five-year term. This marks a rare mid-term vacancy in one of the country’s highest constitutional offices.
Election Commission Activates Constitutional Machinery
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken swift action to begin preparations for the Vice-Presidential Elections, 2025. This is in line with its constitutional mandate under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution and governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, along with the associated Election Rules of 1974.
As per constitutional provisions, the Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members from both Houses of Parliament—the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Unlike the Presidential election, where only elected members are eligible to vote, both elected and nominated members can participate in this process.
Preparatory Steps in Motion
The ECI has already initiated several preliminary processes:
1. Compilation of Electoral College
The Secretariat is finalizing the list of electors, which includes:
- Elected Members of Lok Sabha (543)
- Nominated Members of Lok Sabha (2)
- Elected Members of Rajya Sabha (233)
- Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha (12)
This brings the total number of electors to approximately 790, subject to any vacancies.
2. Appointment of Returning Officers
The process to finalize the Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officers is underway. These officers will oversee the election, manage nominations, issue ballots, supervise voting, and declare results.
3. Background Research and Documentation
The ECI is preparing a detailed background compendium on previous Vice-Presidential Elections, covering key statistics, procedural evolutions, electoral outcomes, and legal precedents to ensure transparency and provide context.
Upcoming Election Timeline and Notification
The ECI will soon announce the schedule for the election, including:
- Date of issue of notification
- Last date for filing nominations
- Date for scrutiny of nominations
- Last date for withdrawal
- Polling and counting date
By law, the vacancy must be filled within 60 days. Therefore, the election is expected to take place by or before September 2025.
Constitutional Significance of the Vice President’s Role
The Vice President of India serves as the second-highest constitutional authority and acts as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. They also play a key role in bridging the legislative and executive branches. In the event of a presidential vacancy, the Vice President may assume temporary presidential duties.
The upcoming election is crucial for its constitutional and political significance. The new Vice President will preside over the Rajya Sabha and could play a critical role in any future constitutional transitions or crises.
Political Climate and Anticipated Contest
Although the formal nomination process has not yet begun, political analysts expect a closely watched contest. The outcome will depend on numerical strength and alliances within Parliament. With several key bills and parliamentary sessions scheduled for later this year, the incoming Vice President is expected to play an influential role in legislative discourse.
A Period of Watchful Transition
The resignation of Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has ushered in a period of transition in India’s constitutional hierarchy. As the ECI fast-tracks its preparations, all eyes will be on the announcement of the poll schedule and the next high-stakes electoral event in India’s parliamentary democracy.
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According to the given content, why did Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar resign from his position as Vice President of India?
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