Jagdeep Dhankhar – Former Vice President of India {update}

He resigned under Article 67(a) of the Constitution, becoming the third Indian Vice President to do so mid-term.

Early Life and Education

Jagdeep Dhankhar was born on 18 May 1951 in Kithana, a small village in Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan. He came from an agrarian family and had a modest upbringing. His early education involved walking several kilometers to school each day. Recognizing his potential, he received a scholarship to attend Sainik School in Chittorgarh.

He completed a B.Sc. in Physics and went on to pursue Law (LL.B.) at the University of Rajasthan. Dhankhar’s academic journey helped lay the foundation for both his legal and political careers.

Legal Career

Jagdeep Dhankhar began practicing law in 1979 after enrolling with the Bar Council of Rajasthan. Over time, he became one of the leading advocates in the Rajasthan High Court and the Supreme Court of India. He was designated a Senior Advocate in 1990, the same year he entered national politics.

His legal work spanned a range of sectors including steel, mining, energy, and international arbitration. Dhankhar was known for his command over constitutional matters and legislative procedures, which later became instrumental during his role as Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Political Journey

Dhankhar’s political career began with the Janata Dal, and he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Jhunjhunu in 1989. He served as Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the short-lived Chandra Shekhar government (1990–91).

From 1993 to 1998, he was elected as a Member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from Kishangarh. Later, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and continued to stay active in legal and political circles.

In July 2019, he was appointed as the Governor of West Bengal, where he had frequent public disagreements with the Mamata Banerjee-led state government. His assertive style and constitutional activism in Bengal drew national attention and eventually paved the way for his nomination as Vice President in 2022.

Vice Presidency and Rajya Sabha Leadership

Jagdeep Dhankhar was elected Vice President of India on 6 August 2022, defeating Opposition candidate Margaret Alva by a wide margin. He secured 528 out of 710 valid votes, marking one of the highest victory percentages in recent history.

According to official government records, Dhankhar was elected as Vice President in 2022. His full profile and political history can be found on Wikipedia.

As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar presided over several crucial parliamentary sessions. One of his notable actions was reconstituting the Vice Chairpersons’ Panel during the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, ensuring that 17 women MPs chaired key debates.

Dhankhar was vocal about the role of the judiciary, calling for a “Lakshman Rekha” between Parliament and courts. His tenure saw several intense debates on judicial overreach and constitutional boundaries. While appreciated by the government benches for his strong leadership, the Opposition often accused him of partiality and confrontation.

As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he oversaw key reforms.

Resignation and Health Concerns

On 21 July 2025, Dhankhar resigned from the Vice President’s office, citing medical reasons as advised by his doctors. His resignation was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu and took effect immediately under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution.

This unexpected move came during an ongoing Parliament session and made him the third Vice President in Indian history to step down before completing his term. His resignation triggered discussions within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and raised speculation about deeper political or institutional reasons behind the decision.

Personal Life

Jagdeep Dhankhar is married to Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar. The couple has one daughter, Kamna Dhankhar, who is married to Kartikeya Vajpayee. Despite holding high offices, Dhankhar is known for maintaining a simple and grounded lifestyle.

He often referred to himself as a “Kisan Putra”, symbolizing his strong rural roots. Throughout his career, Dhankhar emphasized the importance of rural upliftment, legal awareness, and constitutional integrity.

Legacy and Impact

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s legacy lies in his bold interpretation of constitutional roles, especially as Vice President and Governor. His term in Rajya Sabha was marked by assertive leadership, procedural reforms, and an attempt to redefine the role of the Vice President in legislative affairs.

Supporters admire his legal knowledge, fearless approach, and commitment to constitutional values. Critics, however, argue that his confrontations with the judiciary and Opposition created tension between institutions. Regardless of perspective, Dhankhar left a strong imprint on India’s political narrative.

Famous Quotes by Jagdeep Dhankhar

“Democracy thrives when the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary work within their limits.”
“Discipline in Parliament is not a luxury—it is a necessity for democracy.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When did Jagdeep Dhankhar serve as Vice President of India?
A: He served from 11 August 2022 to 21 July 2025.

Q2: Why did Jagdeep Dhankhar resign as Vice President?
A: He cited health reasons based on medical advice and stepped down under Article 67(a) of the Constitution.

Q3: What is Jagdeep Dhankhar known for?
A: He is known for his strong legal background, assertive role as Rajya Sabha Chairman, and outspoken stand on judicial accountability.

Q4: Was he the Governor of West Bengal?
A: Yes, he served as the Governor of West Bengal from July 2019 to 2022.