The sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has sparked intense public and political speculation. While he cited health reasons as the primary cause for stepping down, the chain of recent health-related incidents suggests that his decision, though abrupt, was not entirely unforeseen. It raises questions not just about the health of high-ranking officials, but also about how health disclosures of top leaders are handled in India’s political system.
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s health had been under quiet scrutiny for some time. In March 2025, he was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, after experiencing uneasiness and chest pain. Although he recovered and resumed his duties, medical advice prompted him to scale down public appearances and travel outside the national capital. This incident was followed by several moments in which he appeared visibly unwell, even though he maintained an energetic presence in the Rajya Sabha, where he presided as chairperson.
A particularly concerning episode took place in June during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Kumaon University in Nainital, Uttarakhand. Dhankhar collapsed briefly during the event, reportedly due to the stuffy conditions and extreme heat. Officials present at the scene mentioned that the environment might have triggered his fainting spell, further fueling discussions about his health.
Even in July, signs of declining health were apparent. Dhankhar was spotted walking with the support of his wife, Sudesh, and an aide during his visit to Kerala. Just days later, on July 17, during a visit to a Vatika developed by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, he felt unwell and required a pause to recover, with his wife offering him water. These incidents, now viewed in hindsight, point to a pattern of health challenges leading up to his resignation.
In his resignation letter, Dhankhar emphasized the need to prioritize his health and follow medical advice. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation, with the Ministry of Home Affairs promptly notifying the decision. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while acknowledging Dhankhar’s service to the nation, wished him good health and noted his contributions in various public roles, including his tenure as Vice President.
Dhankhar’s resignation raises important questions about transparency concerning the health of political leaders. In democracies worldwide, there is often debate about whether the public has a right to know the health status of top leaders, especially when it could impact governance. In India, such disclosures are often minimal, and the abrupt resignation of a key figure like the Vice President inevitably fuels speculation.
Dhankhar’s health issues were not widely discussed until his resignation, despite multiple public episodes that hinted at his deteriorating condition. This approach, while respecting personal privacy, risks creating a sudden vacuum in leadership and surprises the public, as seen in this case. The political circles were caught off-guard, and the race for the Vice President’s post has now become a pressing concern for the government and opposition alike.
Dhankhar’s exit also brings into focus the demanding nature of high offices in India. The Vice President, as the ex-officio chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, is tasked with managing heated parliamentary sessions and fulfilling ceremonial duties across the country. Such responsibilities, combined with extensive travel, can take a toll on even the most resilient leaders. Dhankhar’s repeated health scares indicate that the strain of the position may have contributed to his decision to step down.
ALSO READ: Is voter roll cleanup fair or targeting eastern Bihar?
ALSO READ: Stuck in a thought spiral? Here’s how you can break free from the loop
While Dhankhar’s departure is a personal decision rooted in health concerns, it serves as a reminder for political parties and the government to place greater emphasis on the well-being of leaders. High-stress environments and relentless schedules can compromise health, and a lack of structured wellness measures for top officials could lead to sudden resignations or worse, governance crises.
The government now faces the task of ensuring a smooth transition in the Vice President’s office while respecting Dhankhar’s privacy and honoring his service. His career has been marked by several important roles — from being a senior lawyer and Member of Parliament to serving as Governor of West Bengal, and finally as Vice President of India. His resignation, though unexpected, underscores his pragmatic decision to prioritize health over the demands of office.
As the political machinery prepares for the next Vice President, there is a need for open conversations about balancing public service with personal health. Jagdeep Dhankhar’s tenure may have ended earlier than anticipated, but his contributions remain significant. His decision to step down is a powerful reminder that even leaders of high stature must acknowledge their health limitations, something that should be seen not as a sign of weakness but as a step of wisdom and responsibility.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash