Dhankhar resignation: EC initiates process of electing next vice-president - what we know

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India on Wednesday said it has begun the process to elect the next vice-president of India following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.

"On completion of the preparatory activities, the announcement of the election schedule to the office of the Vice President of India will follow as soon as possible," the EC said in a statement.

Dhankhar resigned from the post on Monday evening, citing medical reasons.

In a sudden move, he sent his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu and said he was stepping down with immediate effect. "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution," he said in his letter to the President.

Dhankhar, 74, took office as vice-president in August 2022. His term was scheduled to continue until 2027. He also served as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

His resignation came on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament .