Our Bureau
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wished Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar good health after the latter resigned from the post on July 21, citing health concerns.
In a post on X, PM Modi emphasised that Dhankhar had got many opportunities to serve the country, including the Vice President of India.
“Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health,” Prime Minister Modi wrote.
The Rajya Sabha also announced the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in the House on Tuesday, shortly before adjourning till 2 pm amid opposition sloganeering.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, who was in the Chair, on Tuesday announced that Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation as Vice President of India has been accepted by the President of India Droupadi Murmu. Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh was seen chairing the proceedings after Dhankhar’s resignation.
The Chair said that the Ministry of Home Affairs has, wide it’s notification, conveyed resignation of Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar under 67A of the Constitution with immediate effect.
However, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday refrained from commenting on the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, saying that either the government or he himself knows the reason.
Speaking to the media, Kharge said, “Only he knows the reason. We have nothing to say on this. Either the government knows or he knows.”
Earlier on Monday, Dhankhar resigned from his post “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice.” Dhankhar, who is also Chairman of Rajya Sabha, sent his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu.
“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,” the letter said.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency – the Hon’ble President of India for her unwavering support and the soothing wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure,” it added.
The Vice President also expressed his deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers.
“Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office,” he said.
Dhankhar said that the warmth, trust, and affection he has received from all the Members of Parliament would ever be cherished at and embedded in his memory.
The resignation came on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. Dhankhar was sworn in as the 14th Vice President of India on August 11, 2022. As Vice President, he also served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
“I am deeply thankful for the invaluable experiences and insights I have gained as Vice President in our great democracy. It has been a privilege and satisfaction to witness and partake in India’s remarkable economic progress and unprecedented exponential development during this significant period. Serving in this transformative era of our nation’s history has been a true honor,” he said.
“As I leave this esteemed office, I am filled with pride in Bharat’s global rise and phenomenal achievements and hold unwavering confidence in her brilliant future,” he added.
