Jagdeep Dhankar's resignation: Election Commission initiates steps for Vice President elections

"The Election Commission of India, under Article 324, is mandated to conduct the election to the office of the Vice President of India," read the government statement.

The election to the office of the Vice President of India is governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and the rules made thereunder, namely The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.

Under Section 3 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, the Election Commission, in consultation with the Central Government, appoints a Returning Officer, who shall have his office in New Delhi, and may also appoint one or more Assistant Returning Officers.

As per convention, either Secretary General, Lok Sabha or Secretary General, Rajya Sabha is appointed as Returning Officer by rotation.

During the last Vice-Presidential election, the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha was appointed as the Returning Officer.

Therefore, the Election Commission, in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice and with the consent of the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, has appointed the Secretary General, Rajya Sabha as Returning Officer for ensuing Vice-Presidential Election, 2025.

The Election Commission of India has also appointed Garima Jain, Joint Secretary, Rajya Sabha Secretariat and Shri Vijay Kumar, Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat as Assistant Returning Officers during the course of Vice-Presidential Election, 2025.

The requisite Gazette Notification is being issued separately on Friday.

Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday resigned from his post, citing "medical advice" and said he would "prioritise" his health.

In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, he said his resignation will be effective immediately.

"To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance wills Article 67(a) of the constitution," his letter read.