I Resign- VP of India

This is the tweet shared by the Prime Minister of India, which clearly shows that the exit of the VP of India was not done with a farewell.

This week, the VP of India resigned, which is a shock to everyone, as in the recent speech, he clearly mentioned that he will resign in Aug 2027 — that too with a “divine intervention” — which clearly states that he was not in a mood to resign anytime now. However, things didn’t go as per his plan.

But what was the process of removal of the VP of India?

1. The process starts in Rajya Sabha
2. If 50% of the total strength of Rajya Sabha passes the resolution
3. It moves to Lok Sabha — where a simple majority is required
   Then, the Vice President is removed.

Firstly, let’s understand how the VP is selected in India:

1. Both the nominated members of LS and RS vote in the election (only attending MPs’ votes are counted)
2. To win the election, 50% + 1 votes are required
3. State MLAs are not involved

What if it’s a tie? ~ A lottery system is used, conducted by the Secretary General of Rajya Sabha (called the Returning Officer).

What if no one gets 50% + 1 votes?

1. In this case, the candidate with the least number of 1st preferences is eliminated
2. Their ballots are transferred to the next preferred candidate

Example: If 3 candidates are contesting, all MPs have to give 1st, 2nd, and 3rd preferences. Hence, the eliminated candidate’s ballots are transferred to the next preferred candidate.

Coming back to the reason why Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned. A lot of theories are there which cannot be validated without much facts:

1. Making way for Nitish Kumar to become VP of India — He is 73+ now and wants a dignified exit from active state politics. Being VP is a national constitutional post, which keeps him in public life and his legacy intact. Parallely, BJP could push for its own CM face, sidelining JDU.
2. Another reason is —
   A judge named Yashwant Varma was in the news — some say a lot of cash was found at his home.
   Opposition MPs wanted to remove (impeach) the judge.
   Dhankhar, as Rajya Sabha Chairman, accepted their request to move this process forward.
   But the BJP didn’t want this — they asked him to delay or block the motion.
   He refused. So, people believe the government got angry at him for not following their instructions.

Some leaders say the BJP told him: “Quit quietly, or we’ll bring an impeachment motion against you.”
They claim he had no choice — so he resigned under pressure.