1 / 10Resigns as Vice President on Health Grounds | Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from the post of Vice President of India on Monday, July 21, citing health concerns. In a formal letter to President Droupadi Murmu, he stated that he was stepping down with immediate effect in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution, to prioritise medical advice and health care. His term was originally set to continue until August 2027. (Image: PTI)
2 / 10Thanks Nation’s Leadership for Support | In his resignation letter, Dhankhar expressed gratitude to President Murmu for her “steadfast support” and described their work relationship as “soothing and wonderful.” He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the council of ministers, calling their cooperation “priceless.” (Image: PTI)
3 / 10A Humble Beginning in Rajasthan | Born on May 18, 1951 in Kithana village in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, Dhankhar came from a Hindu Jat farming family. He grew up in a rural setting, walking long distances to attend school. His early years were marked by a strong focus on education. ( Image: PTI)
4 / 10Academic Excellence from Sainik School to Law | Dhankhar joined Sainik School, Chittorgarh, on a full merit scholarship in 1962. After completing his schooling, he earned a B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics from Maharaja’s College, Jaipur, and went on to complete an LLB from the University of Rajasthan in 1979. (Image: PTI)
5 / 10Distinguished Legal Career in Rajasthan | Starting his legal career in 1979, Dhankhar became a respected advocate in constitutional and commercial law. He was designated a Senior Advocate by the Rajasthan High Court in 1990 and remained a well-known figure in the state’s legal circles. (Image: PTI)
6 / 10Entry into Politics with Janata Dal | Dhankhar entered active politics in 1989, winning a Lok Sabha seat from Jhunjhunu as a Janata Dal candidate. In 1990, he was appointed Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs during the Chandra Shekhar-led government.
7 / 10Switch to Congress, Then BJP | After his stint with Janata Dal, he joined the Indian National Congress and served as an MLA from Kishangarh (1993–1998). In 2008, he joined the BJP and took on roles within the party’s legal and legislative frameworks in Rajasthan.
8 / 10Governor of West Bengal: A Controversial Tenure | Appointed Governor of West Bengal in 2019, Dhankhar’s term was marked by regular clashes with the state government. His strong opinions and legal interventions made headlines and raised his national political profile. (Image: PTI)
9 / 10Vice Presidential Win in 2022 | In 2022, the NDA nominated him for the office of Vice President. On August 6, he won by a large margin – securing 528 of 710 valid votes. He was sworn in on August 11, 2022, also becoming the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
10 / 10As Vice President: A Focus on Reform and Decorum | During his tenure, Dhankhar promoted parliamentary discipline and supported inclusive development. He advocated for economic reforms, voiced support for Jat OBC status, and upheld the role of parliamentary institutions. (Image: PTI)
