Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as the Vice President of India on Monday, citing health concerns and the need to focus on personal well-being. In his letter to the President, he expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and the Parliament, while reflecting on the country’s strong economic growth and rapid developmental strides during his tenure.
Dhankhar’s resignation ends a long public life spanning top roles in law, politics, and governance. His tenure included senior advocacy, ministerial duties, a governorship, and heading the Rajya Sabha as Vice President of India.
Born in 1951 in Kithana village, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Dhankhar was the son of a farmer. He studied at Sainik School, Chittorgarh, and earned degrees in physics and law from the University of Rajasthan.
Jagdeep Dhankhar began practising law in 1979 and was designated a Senior Advocate by the Rajasthan High Court in 1990. He handled several major constitutional matters in the Supreme Court of India and also served as President of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association during the height of his legal career.
Dhankhar entered politics in 1989 via Janata Dal, served briefly in the central cabinet, joined the Indian National Congress in 1991, and later switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2003, rising through its legal ranks.
In July 2019, Jagdeep Dhankhar was appointed Governor of West Bengal. His term was marked by regular clashes with Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and frequent posts on X (formerly Twitter), leading to accusations of political bias and overreach.
In 2022, Dhankhar was nominated as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) Vice-Presidential candidate. Widely referred as a kisan putra (farmer’s son), his selection aimed to connect with rural and Other Backward Class (OBC) communities. He won the election with 528 out of 710 votes—one of the largest margins since the 1990s.
As Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar faced strong opposition backlash over alleged bias and curbing debate. He suspended 45 members in 2023. A vocal supporter of India’s culture, youth, and constitutional values, he stressed civilisational pride and education.
Jagdeep Dhankhar earned a monthly salary of ₹4 lakh in his role as VP of India, along with perks such as government accommodation, Z category security, and staff assistance. His annual income was around ₹48 lakh. He reportedly holds ₹4.5 crore in movable assets and ₹3.3 crore in immovable property, taking his total net worth to approximately ₹7.8 crore, as reported by GoodReturns.
Jagdeep Dhankhar leaves behind a mixed legacy — praised by some as a defender of constitutional values and national identity, while being criticised by others for being combative and partisan. Yet, his mark on public institutions remains unmistakable.
