Jagdeep Dhankhar: A Straightforward Look at India’s Vice President
If you’ve heard the name Jagdeep Dhankhar lately, you’re probably wondering who he is and why he’s in the news. In short, he is the sitting Vice President of India, a former lawyer, and a former governor of a state. He sits in the Upper House of Parliament and helps run the country’s legislative business when the President is busy.
Born in 1951 in Rajasthan, Jagdeep Dhankhar studied law and built a career as a senior advocate. He took on big cases, served as a legal advisor to the government, and later entered politics. His first big political role was as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, where he represented a constituency from Rajasthan.
From Governor to Vice President
Before becoming Vice President, Dhankhar was appointed the Governor of West Bengal in 2019. As governor, he oversaw the state’s constitutional duties, worked with the chief minister, and dealt with occasional political friction. His time there gave him a front‑row seat to state‑level challenges like infrastructure, health, and education.
In August 2022, the ruling party chose him as their candidate for Vice President. He won the election with a large margin, beating his opponent from the opposition. Since taking office, he has focused on three main areas: strengthening parliamentary debate, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and promoting digital governance.
What He Is Doing Now
As Vice President, Dhankhar presides over the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House). He makes sure debates run smoothly, gives members a chance to speak, and can cast a deciding vote in case of a tie. He also represents India abroad, meeting foreign leaders and speaking at international events.
Beyond his constitutional duties, Dhankhar is an outspoken advocate for startups. He often appears at startup events, encouraging young founders to take risks and use technology to solve everyday problems. His background in law helps him push for better regulations that protect both investors and consumers.
On social issues, he has spoken about the need for better education in rural areas and tighter health care access. He frequently visits schools and hospitals, asking officials to improve basic services. In interviews, he emphasizes that development must reach the “last mile” – the people living in remote villages.
In recent weeks, Dhankhar has been in the news for commenting on the upcoming national elections and urging citizens to vote responsibly. He stresses the importance of separating politics from personal bias and listening to factual information before making a choice.
Overall, Jagdeep Dhankhar’s role blends ceremonial duties with real influence over how India’s laws are debated and passed. Whether you follow politics closely or just want a quick snapshot, knowing his background, his current focus, and his public statements helps you understand one of the key figures shaping India’s future.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Steps Down Citing Health, NDA Prepares for Successor Election
Jagdeep Dhankhar has stepped down as India's Vice President, citing health reasons, barely three years into his term. His unexpected resignation on the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session has set off a flurry of political activity as the NDA gears up to pick a new candidate.