Position of Minor's Agreement

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns on First Day of Monsoon Session: What It Means for Rajya Sabha and the VP’s Office

In a surprising political development, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has stepped down from his post on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. His resignation has not only created a vacancy in one of the highest constitutional offices of India but has also triggered a series of events that will directly impact the functioning of the Rajya Sabha, where he served as the ex-officio Chairman.

Let’s understand what this resignation means, how it affects the country’s parliamentary machinery, and what comes next.

🏛 What Happens to the Vice President's Office?

As per the Indian Constitution, the Vice President can resign at any time by submitting a written letter to the President of India. Once accepted, the office is officially considered vacant.

With Dhankhar’s resignation, the Vice President’s seat now stands empty. This position is not just symbolic—it holds real responsibility. Besides being the second highest constitutional post in the country, the Vice President also plays a key role in presiding over the Rajya Sabha.

Now that this seat is empty, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to step in and organize a fresh election. According to the rules, this election must happen as soon as possible, ideally within six months from the date the vacancy occurs. However, if the resignation happens during an ongoing session of Parliament, the urgency becomes even more significant to ensure the House functions smoothly.

🪑 How It Affects the Rajya Sabha

One of the Vice President’s main duties is to act as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This is a highly important role because the Chairman maintains discipline, oversees debates, ensures parliamentary rules are followed, and acts as a neutral authority in case of disorder.

Now that the Vice President has resigned:

• The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, currently Harivansh Narayan Singh, will step in as the acting Chair.
• Though the Deputy Chairman can run proceedings, the absence of a full-time Chairman may still lead to short-term disruptions, especially during critical debates or decision-making.
• The Monsoon Session, which is already a politically sensitive time for any government, might face challenges in maintaining order during proceedings without the authority of a permanent Chairman.

⚖️ What the Constitution Says

India’s Constitution provides for such situations:

• Under Article 64, the Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• Article 67(b) allows the Vice President to resign by writing to the President.
• Article 68(1) directs that a new Vice President must be elected "as soon as possible" after the vacancy.
• If the resignation happens before the end of the five-year term, then the newly elected VP will get a full five-year term as per Article 68(2).

🗳 What Comes Next: Election and Political Implications

The Election Commission will soon announce the schedule for electing the next Vice President. This process involves an electoral college consisting of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members.

This election will likely become a major political event. Here’s why:

• Political parties will begin lobbying and negotiating to find a mutually acceptable candidate, or may field competing names to gain public support.
• For the ruling party, it is a test of strength in Parliament. Winning the Vice President's election reinforces political dominance.
• For the opposition, it is an opportunity to display unity and possibly challenge the government’s choice.

The outcome may also shape future political equations, especially ahead of other significant elections.

⚙️ Functioning of Parliament in the Meantime

Until a new Vice President is elected, the Rajya Sabha will continue functioning, but under the Deputy Chairman. This ensures that legislative business doesn't stop.

However, the Vice President, being a senior constitutional authority, brings experience, impartiality, and a strong presence to the Upper House. That influence will be temporarily missing. Also, any major debates or controversial bills may become harder to control without the commanding authority of the Chairman.

📌 In Summary

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation is more than just a change of office—it brings a temporary vacuum in the Rajya Sabha, calls for a fresh election, and could affect the political strategies of both the ruling and opposition parties. While the Constitution ensures a smooth replacement process, the practical challenges during an ongoing session of Parliament are real and could influence the tone and outcome of national politics in the coming months.