New Delhi: The abrupt move of Jagdeep Dhankhar stepping down from the post of Vice President has triggered the process of finding a new occupant for the second-highest constitutional office in the country.
The resignation, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, comes nearly three years ahead of the end of Dhankhar’s tenure. The 73-year-old had assumed office as India’s 14th Vice President on August 11, 2022. Officials confirmed that Dhankhar has been undergoing treatment for a health condition and chose to step down on the advice of his doctors.
According to Article 67(b) of the Constitution, the Vice President can resign by submitting a letter to the President. With Dhankhar’s resignation now accepted, the process for electing his successor will be initiated shortly by the Election Commission of India.
Can Nitish Kumar be offered an honourable exit from the long-serving CM post?
There are speculations that NDA allies like Upendra Kushwaha have suggested that Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar should step down as CM. This has been suggested to make way for the next generation. This theory has been supported by the fact that Union minister Chirag Paswan has announced that he will fight the Bihar election. If Nitish resigns, will he be pacified or honoured with the VP post?
K Saxena, the Delhi lieutenant governor
The Delhi lieutenant governor has only been in his job for three years. Speculations are rife that he is moving out for a “bigger assignment.” A former corporate man, he had played a major role in Delhi politics. He apparently blocked administrative moves by the AAP government. From appointments to policies about the Delhi Jal Board, Saxena became a stumbling block for former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Manoj Sinha, 66
The lieutenant governor (LG) of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha is finishing his five-year tenure on August 6. Thus, it seems that the timing is perfect to take on the next-level job of being Vice President. An old BJP hand from Uttar Pradesh, Sinha contributed a degree of stability post the abrogation of Article 370, according to his supporters. His J&K tenure is ending with Sinha as he is having to take responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, where 25 tourists and a pony operator were killed.
Acting Rajya Sabha Chairperson
The role of the Rajya Sabha Chairman — a responsibility vested in the Vice President — will now be carried out by Harivansh Narayan Singh, the Deputy Chairman of the Upper House. He will discharge the duties until a new Vice President is elected and sworn in.
Election Procedure
The new Vice President will be elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The election is conducted through a secret ballot using the single transferable vote system. The Election Commission is constitutionally mandated to conduct the election within 60 days of the vacancy.
Once the schedule is notified, candidates will file nominations and campaign for support across party lines, although the ruling NDA’s parliamentary majority gives it a decisive edge in the outcome.
This is the first time in independent India’s history that a sitting Vice President has stepped down from office mid-term.