Jagdeep Dhankhar

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Jagdeep Dhankhar

| image = Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankar official portrait.jpg

| caption = Official portrait, 2022

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1951|05|18|df=y}}

| birth_place = Kithana, Rajasthan, India

| office = Vice President of India

| president = Droupadi Murmu

| primeminister = Narendra Modi

| term_start = 11 August 2022

| term_end =

| predecessor = Venkaiah Naidu

| successor =

| 1blankname = Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson

| 1namedata = Harivansh Narayan Singh | successor1 =

| office2 = Governor of West Bengal

| 1blankname2 = Chief Minister

| 1namedata2 = Mamata Banerjee

| term_start2 = 30 July 2019{{cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/jagdeep-dhankhar-takes-oath-as-west-bengal-governor/1586269|title=Jagdeep Dhankhar takes oath as West Bengal Governor|website=Outlook|date=30 July 2019|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113064710/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/jagdeep-dhankhar-takes-oath-as-west-bengal-governor/1586269|archive-date=13 January 2020|url-status=live}}

| term_end2 = 18 July 2022{{cite news |title=Dhankhar resigns as Bengal guv after VP nomination, Manipur's La Ganesan gets additional charge |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jagdeep-dhankhar-resigns-bengal-governor-vp-nomination-manipur-la-ganesan-charge-101658079989478.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=17 July 2022 |language=en |access-date=17 July 2022 |archive-date=17 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717190459/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jagdeep-dhankhar-resigns-bengal-governor-vp-nomination-manipur-la-ganesan-charge-101658079989478.html |url-status=live }}

| predecessor2 = Keshari Nath Tripathi

| successor2 = La. Ganesan (additional charge)

| office3 = Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs

| minister3 = Satya Prakash Malaviya

| predecessor3 = P. Namgyal

| successor3 = R. K. Kumar

| term_start3 = 21 November 1990

| term_end3 = 21 June 1991

| office4 = Member of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly

| term_start4 = 4 December 1993

| term_end4 = 29 November 1998

| 1blankname4 = Speaker

| 1namedata4 = Hari Shankar Bhabhra

Shanti Lal Chaplot

| constituency4 = Kishangarh{{Cite web|url=https://entranceindia.com/election-and-politics/kishangarh-assembly-constituency-rajasthan-mla-election-voters-political-leaders-parties-candidates-and-political-fact-sheet/|title=Kishangarh Assembly Election MLA Political Data|website=entranceindia.com|date=6 October 2018|access-date=17 July 2022|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717044253/https://entranceindia.com/election-and-politics/kishangarh-assembly-constituency-rajasthan-mla-election-voters-political-leaders-parties-candidates-and-political-fact-sheet/|url-status=live}}

| predecessor4 = Jagjeet Singh

| successor4 = Nathu Ram

| office5 = Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha

| term_start5 = 2 December 1989

| term_end5 = 21 June 1991

| 1blankname5 = Speaker

| 1namedata5 = Rabi Ray

| constituency5 = Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan

| predecessor5 = Mohammed Ayub Khan

| successor5 = Mohammed Ayub Khan

| party = Bharatiya Janata Party

| otherparty = Indian National Congress (1991–2003)
Janata Dal (until 1991)

| alma_mater = University of Rajasthan (BA, LLB)

| profession = Lawyer

| nationality = Indian

| website = {{URL|https://vicepresidentofindia.nic.in/|Official Website}}

| residence = Vice President's Enclave, New Delhi

| spouse = {{marriage|Sudesh Dhankhar|1979}}

| children = 1

| order =

| order2 =

| order1 =

}}

Jagdeep Dhankhar ({{IPA|hi|d͡ʒəgˈd̪iːp d̪ʱən.kʰəɽ}}; born 18 May 1951) is an Indian politician and lawyer serving as the vice president of India since 2022. He previously served as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022. He also served as a Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the Chandra Shekhar ministry from 1990 to 1991, and served as a member of Lok Sabha from 1989 to 1991. Between 1993 and 1998, he was a Member of Rajasthan's Legislative Assembly. He has been affiliated with multiple political parties in India, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Indian National Congress (INC), and the Janata Dal (JD).

Early life and education

Dhankhar was born on 18 May 1951 in Kithana, a village in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, India, into a Hindu Rajasthani Jat family to Gokal Chand and Kesari Devi.{{cite web |title=राजस्थान जाट महासभा कार्यक्रम में उपराष्ट्रपति उम्मीदवार Jagdeep Dhankar |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISNO7wnzqG0 |website=YouTube | date=19 July 2022 |quote=Self-identification between 2:56 and 3:02 |access-date=30 July 2022 |language=hi |archive-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730113101/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISNO7wnzqG0&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jagdeep-dhankhar-nda-vice-president-candidate-west-bengal-governor-8033747/|title=Bengal Governor Dhankhar set to be new Vice-President, BJP hails 'kisan putra'|work=IndianExpress|date=17 July 2022|access-date=17 July 2022|archive-date=16 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716232421/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jagdeep-dhankhar-nda-vice-president-candidate-west-bengal-governor-8033747/|url-status=live}} He completed his school education from Sainik School, Chittorgarh. Dhankhar completed his primary and middle school education from Kithana Government School and Ghardhana Government School respectively. He obtained his B.Sc and LLB from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.{{cite web|title=Jagdeep Dhankhar|website=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/jagdeep.dhankhar.39|access-date=12 March 2018}}{{cite news |title=Jagdeep Dhankhar: NDA's VP candidate is a Jat leader, coffee lover and Mamata-critic |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/jagdeep-dhankar-lawyer-turned-politician-and-mamata-banerjees-bete-noire-413045 |work=The Tribune |date=16 July 2022 |language=en |access-date=17 July 2022 |archive-date=17 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717102745/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/jagdeep-dhankar-lawyer-turned-politician-and-mamata-banerjees-bete-noire-413045 |url-status=live }}

Dhankhar married Sudesh Dhankhar in 1979, and they have a daughter, Kamna{{cite news |title=पांच क‍िमी पैदल चल कर पढ़ने जाते थे पश्‍चिम बंगाल के राज्‍यपाल जगदीप धनकड़, सैन‍िक स्‍कूल में की है पढ़ाई |url=https://www.jansatta.com/lifestyle/west-bengal-governor-jagdeep-dhankar-bio-life-story-education-history-career-family/1589108/ |access-date=17 July 2022 |work=Jansatta |language=hi |archive-date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814175443/https://www.jansatta.com/lifestyle/west-bengal-governor-jagdeep-dhankar-bio-life-story-education-history-career-family/1589108/ |url-status=live }} who is married to Kartikeya Vajpayee son of late Shri Vijay Shankar Vajpayee, and Smt. Abha Vajpayee.{{Cite web |title=Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar sworn in as the 14th Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha |url=https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1850852 |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Press Information Bureau}}{{Cite web |date=11 December 2020 |title=पांच क‍िमी पैदल चल कर पढ़ने जाते थे पश्‍चिम बंगाल के राज्‍यपाल जगदीप धनकड़, सैन‍िक स्‍कूल में की है पढ़ाई |url=https://www.jansatta.com/lifestyle/west-bengal-governor-jagdeep-dhankar-bio-life-story-education-history-career-family/1589108/ |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=Jansatta |language=hi}}{{Cite web |title=All about Jagdeep Dhankar - likely next Vice-President Of India |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/all-about-jagdeep-dhankar-likely-next-vice-president-of-india-2486146.html |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Zee News |language=en}}

Law career

Dhankhar enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Rajasthan in 1979. He was designated a Senior Advocate by the High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan in 1990 and remained the senior-most designated Senior Advocate in the state until taking the oath as Governor on 30 July 2019.{{cite news |first=Pallavi |last=Saluja |title=Governor can become a "convenient punching bag" in the crossfire between political parties: Jagdeep Dhankhar, Governor of West Bengal |url=https://www.barandbench.com/interviews/interview-jagdeep-dhankhar-governor-of-west-bengal |work=Bar and Bench |date=12 August 2020 |language=en |access-date=17 July 2022 |archive-date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814175525/https://www.barandbench.com/interviews/interview-jagdeep-dhankhar-governor-of-west-bengal |url-status=live }}

Since 1990, Dhankhar has practised primarily in constitutional law in the Supreme Court of India. He has appeared in the various high courts of India{{Cite web|url=http://rajbhavankolkata.nic.in/html/ourgovernor.html|title=Our Governor: Raj Bhavan, West Bengal, India|website=rajbhavankolkata.nic.in|access-date=17 July 2022|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717053016/http://rajbhavankolkata.nic.in/html/ourgovernor.html|url-status=live}} and has also served a stint as the president of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association.{{cite news |title=Who is Jagdeep Dhankhar, NDA's vice presidential candidate? |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/who-is-jagdeep-dhankhar-ndas-vice-presidential-candidate-10920061.html |work=Firstpost |date=16 July 2022 |language=en |access-date=17 July 2022 |archive-date=17 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717101429/https://www.firstpost.com/india/who-is-jagdeep-dhankhar-ndas-vice-presidential-candidate-10920061.html |url-status=live }}

In 2016, Dhankhar appeared in the Sutlej River water dispute, representing the state of Haryana in the Supreme Court of India.{{cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/jagdeep-dhankhar-allotted-chamber-supreme-court-1977481-2022-07-19 | title=Vice president candidate Jagdeep Dhankhar allotted chamber in SC on twin-sharing basis | EXCLUSIVE | date=19 July 2022 | access-date=20 July 2022 | archive-date=20 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720040323/https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/jagdeep-dhankhar-allotted-chamber-supreme-court-1977481-2022-07-19 | url-status=live }}

Political career

He has previously been a member of the Janata Dal and the Indian National Congress.{{cite news |title=This one for farmers: The Hindu Editorial on NDA's nomination of Jagdeep Dhankhar for Vice-President |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/this-one-for-farmers-the-hindu-editorial-on-ndas-nomination-of-jagdeep-dhankhar-for-vice-president/article65651082.ece |access-date=8 August 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=17 July 2022 |language=en-IN |archive-date=8 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808105549/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/this-one-for-farmers-the-hindu-editorial-on-ndas-nomination-of-jagdeep-dhankhar-for-vice-president/article65651082.ece |url-status=live }} He represented the Jhunjhunu Lok Sabha constituency in Rajasthan as a member of the Janata Dal during the 9th Lok Sabha from 1989 to 1991.

He joined the Indian National Congress in 1991 and contested the 1991 Indian general election from the Ajmer Lok Sabha constituency, but lost. He was later elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Kishangarh, Rajasthan, serving from 1993 to 1998 in the 10th Legislative Assembly of Rajasthan.{{Cite web|title=Our Governor: Raj Bhavan, West Bengal, India|url=http://rajbhavankolkata.gov.in/html/ourgovernor.html|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|website=Raj Bhavan, West Bengal, India|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515042928/http://rajbhavankolkata.gov.in/html/ourgovernor.html}}

He contested the 1998 Indian general election from the Jhunjhunu Lok Sabha constituency, where he finished in third place.

He joined the BJP in 2003 and was a member of the party's campaign committee for the 2008 assembly elections. In 2016, he headed the BJP's law and legal affairs department.

Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022)

File: Governor of West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.jpg

On 20 July 2019, the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, under the directions of the second Modi ministry, appointed him the Governor of West Bengal.{{Cite news |date=20 July 2019 |title=Centre appoints four new Governors, Jagdeep Dhankar now in-charge of West Bengal |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-appoints-four-new-governors-jagdeep-dhankar-now-in-charge-of-west-bengal/article28620154.ece |access-date=23 July 2022 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=20 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720153829/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-appoints-four-new-governors-jagdeep-dhankar-now-in-charge-of-west-bengal/article28620154.ece |url-status=live }} He was administered the oath of office on 30 July 2019 at the Raj Bhavan, Kolkata{{cite news |title=Jagdeep Dhankar takes oath as West Bengal governor |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jagdeep-dhankar-takes-oath-as-west-bengal-governor/articleshow/70448453.cms |work=The Times of India |date=30 July 2019 |language=en |access-date=17 July 2022 |archive-date=31 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731094051/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jagdeep-dhankar-takes-oath-as-west-bengal-governor/articleshow/70448453.cms |url-status=live }}

After becoming the Governor of West Bengal, Dhankhar had several public confrontations with the state government and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Abishek |date=23 October 2019 |title=Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar's tenure marked by war of words with TMC |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/west-bengal-governor-jagdeep-dhankhars-three-month-tenure-has-been-all-about-the-war-of-words-with-the-ruling-trinamool-congress/article29775717.ece |access-date=23 July 2022 |website=www.thehindubusinessline.com |language=en |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723063346/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/west-bengal-governor-jagdeep-dhankhars-three-month-tenure-has-been-all-about-the-war-of-words-with-the-ruling-trinamool-congress/article29775717.ece |url-status=live }} He was a vocal critic of the third Banerjee ministry,{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bengal-witnessed-worst-post-poll-violence-since-independence-dhankhar-101623761405657.html | title=Bengal witnessed worst post-poll violence since Independence: Dhankhar | work=Hindustan Times | date=15 June 2021 | access-date=27 July 2022 | archive-date=27 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727172327/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bengal-witnessed-worst-post-poll-violence-since-independence-dhankhar-101623761405657.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/situation-due-to-post-poll-violence-in-bengal-alarming-worrisome-governor-jagdeep-dhankhar/articleshow/83714136.cms | title=Situation due to post-poll violence in Bengal alarming, worrisome: Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar | newspaper=The Economic Times | access-date=27 July 2022 | archive-date=27 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727172219/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/situation-due-to-post-poll-violence-in-bengal-alarming-worrisome-governor-jagdeep-dhankhar/articleshow/83714136.cms | url-status=live }} and frequently resorted to Twitter and media to express his views on political issues. In response, the Trinamool Congress dubbed Dhankhar the "real leader of the opposition". In January 2022, CM Banerjee blocked Dhankhar on Twitter, accusing him of mentioning her daily in his tweets and engaging in unethical and abusive behaviour.{{cite news |title=Jagdeep Dhankhar: India's Most Talked About Governor Is NDA's Vice-Presidential Candidate |url=https://thewire.in/politics/jagdeep-dhakhar-nda-vice-presidential-candidate-governor-tenure |access-date=8 August 2022 |work=The Wire |date=17 July 2022 |archive-date=8 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808105550/https://thewire.in/politics/jagdeep-dhakhar-nda-vice-presidential-candidate-governor-tenure |url-status=live }}

On 13 July 2022, Dhankar met with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, and the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sharma.{{Cite web |title=Mamata Banerjee Meets Himanta Sarma, Jagdeep Dhankhar In Darjeeling |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/west-bengal-chief-minister-mamata-banerjee-meets-assam-chief-minister-himanta-biswa-sarma-governor-jagdeep-dhankhar-in-darjeeling-3154763 |access-date=23 July 2022 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723062721/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/west-bengal-chief-minister-mamata-banerjee-meets-assam-chief-minister-himanta-biswa-sarma-governor-jagdeep-dhankhar-in-darjeeling-3154763 |url-status=live }} Dhankar subsequently visited Delhi on 15 July 2022, and met the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.{{Cite web |date=15 July 2022 |title=Jagdeep Dhankhar meets Amit Shah in Delhi |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/jagdeep-dhankhar-meets-amit-shah-in-delhi-10916391.html |access-date=23 July 2022 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=22 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722010145/https://www.firstpost.com/india/jagdeep-dhankhar-meets-amit-shah-in-delhi-10916391.html |url-status=live }} He resigned as Governor on 17 July 2022, after being nominated as the vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Alliance.{{Cite web |date=17 July 2022 |title=Dhankhar resigns as Bengal guv after VP nomination, Manipur's La Ganesan gets additional charge |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jagdeep-dhankhar-resigns-bengal-governor-vp-nomination-manipur-la-ganesan-charge-101658079989478.html |access-date=23 July 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723091022/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jagdeep-dhankhar-resigns-bengal-governor-vp-nomination-manipur-la-ganesan-charge-101658079989478.html |url-status=live }}

Vice Presidency (2022–present)

= 2022 vice-presidential election =

File:The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu administering the oath of office to Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar as the 14th Vice President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan, in New Delhi on August 11, 2022 (2).jpg Droupadi Murmu administering the oath of office to Dhankhar as the 14th Vice President of India]]

On 16 July 2022, the BJP nominated Dhankhar as the National Democratic Alliance's candidate for Vice President of India for the 2022 election the following month. Dhankhar was projected as a kisan putra (farmer's son) by the BJP. He contested against the United Opposition's candidate, Margaret Alva, a former Union Minister and Governor from the Indian National Congress. On 18 July 2022, Dhankhar filed his nomination papers for the vice-president elections. He was accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other union ministers and BJP politicians.{{Cite web |title=Jagdeep Dhankhar Files Papers For Vice-President Polls; PM Modi By His Side |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jagdeep-dhankhar-former-bengal-governor-and-ndas-vice-presidential-candidate-files-nomination-papers-pm-present-3168191 |access-date=23 July 2022 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723061642/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jagdeep-dhankhar-former-bengal-governor-and-ndas-vice-presidential-candidate-files-nomination-papers-pm-present-3168191 |url-status=live }}

He contested against the United Opposition's candidate, [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/dhankhar-defeats-alva-elected-vice-president-101659810925101.html Margaret Alva]. The elections were conducted on 6 August 2022 and, on the same evening, the votes were counted. Dhankhar emerged victorious by securing 528 votes out of 710 valid votes over opposition candidate Margaret Alva's 182. Trinamool Congress abstained from the election with only two members voting.{{cite news |title=Jagdeep Dhankhar Is New Vice President, Defeats Margaret Alva: 10 Points |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jagdeep-dhankhar-is-new-vice-president-defeats-oppositions-margaret-alva-3231598 |access-date=6 August 2022 |work=NDTV.com |date=6 August 2022 |archive-date=6 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806143515/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jagdeep-dhankhar-is-new-vice-president-defeats-oppositions-margaret-alva-3231598 |url-status=live }}

Dhankhar won the 2022 election with 74.37% votes and recorded a highest poll-victory margin since the 1992 election.{{Cite web |date=16 July 2022 |title=Jagdeep Dhankhar, West Bengal Governor, is NDA's Vice President candidate |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jagdeep-dhankar-nda-vice-president-candidate-west-bengal-governor-8033747/ |access-date=16 July 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jagdeep-dhankhar-vice-presidential-poll-victory-margin-highes-1984752-2022-08-07|title=With nearly 73% votes, Jagdeep Dhankhar's Vice-Presidential poll-victory margin highest since 1997|date=7 August 2022|work=India Today|access-date=7 August 2022|archive-date=7 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807042530/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jagdeep-dhankhar-vice-presidential-poll-victory-margin-highes-1984752-2022-08-07|url-status=live}}

= Tenure =

Dhankar assumed the office on 11 August 2022 succeeding Venkaiah Naidu, with the oath administered by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in the central banquet hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-06 |title=Vice-Presidential Poll Live Updates: NDA candidate Jagdeep Dhankhar wins V-P election with 528 votes |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vice-presidential-poll-live-updates-jagdeep-dhankhar-margaret-alva-nda-congress-8073360/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806074816/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vice-presidential-poll-live-updates-jagdeep-dhankhar-margaret-alva-nda-congress-8073360/ |archive-date=6 August 2022 |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

= No-confidence Motion =

On 10 December 2024, the opposition INDIA bloc submitted a notice to move a motion of no confidence against Dhankar.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-10 |title=Jagdeep Dhankhar: A Rajya Sabha Chairman at daggers drawn with Opposition |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/jagdeep-dhankhar-rajya-sabha-chairman-at-daggers-drawn-with-opposition-9717184/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} They accused him of indulging in partisanship, alleging that he prevented opposition members from raising issues while allowing BJP members to table issues of their choice.{{Cite web |title=Oppn considering submitting notice for moving resolution to remove Jagdeep Dhankhar as vice president: Sources |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/oppn-considering-submitting-notice-for-moving-resolution-to-remove-jagdeep-dhankhar-as-vice-president-sources-3309851 |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} The no-confidence motion was never tabled as the parliamentary session expired in between the 14 day mandatory notice period & the BJP decried the attack, stating that Dhankar was being targeted for his peasant origins & Jat background.{{Cite web |last=Bhushan |first=Bharat |date=2024-12-13 |title=Defending Dhankhar but eroding dignity of vice president |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/story/opinion/defending-dhankhar-but-eroding-dignity-of-vice-president-3316192 |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}

File:The Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar inspecting the Guard of Honour at the Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala), in Kerala on May 22, 2023.jpg in May 2023]]

= Criticism of Indian judiciary =

Dhankar, himself a former lawyer, has grown increasingly critical of the independence of the Indian judiciary, especially of the Supreme Court. After the Supreme Court struck down the Modi government's attempts to control judicial appointments, Dhankar criticised the decision in his maiden speech to the Rajya Sabha, stating that the actions of the court amounted to an judicial encroachment over the powers of the legislature, thereby constituting a violation of the principle of the separation of powers.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-08 |title=Jagdeep Dhankhar salvo at SC: Striking down NJAC glaring disregard of mandate, House sovereignty |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/rajya-sabha-chairman-jagdeep-dhankhar-judiciary-8311350/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} He has also been critical of the basic structure doctrine (that had been invoked in this case, which enshrines judicial independence).{{Cite news |last=Sumeda |date=2023-01-25 |title=Explained {{!}} Understanding the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution and Jagdeep Dhankar’s criticism of it |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explainer-basic-structure-constitution-jagdeep-dhankar-criticism-kesavananda-bharati-supreme-court/article66379371.ece/amp/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} In 2025 when the Supreme Court ruled that the actions of the Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi (who happens to be associated with the BJP) in preventing implementation of bills passed by the Legislative Assembly (where BJP's opponent DMK has the majority since 2021) by first withdrawing assent for 3 years & then referring them to the President was unconstitutional, & directed the President to act quickly on the matter, Dhankar criticised the ruling, stating that the Supreme Court was breaking it's boundaries & was aiming for 'unchecked power' by sidelining the legislative & executive branches of the government & criticised Article 142 of the Indian Constitution (which empowered the Supreme Court to pass such directives) as a "nuclear weapon against democracy available to the judiciary 24×7".{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2025-04-17 |title=Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar scoffs at judges who act as ‘Super Parliament’ for prescribing timeline to President on deciding State bills |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/vice-president-dhankhar-supreme-court-judges-president-state-bills-timeline/article69460514.ece/amp/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}

Electoral performance

{{transcluded section|source=2022 Indian vice presidential election}}

Administration of Oath and Assumption of Office

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, administered the [https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jagdeep-dhankhar-sworn-in-as-14th-vice-president-of-india/article65757123.ece#:~:text=Jagdeep%20Dhankhar%20was%20sworn%20in%20as%20the%2014th,oath%20in%20Hindi%20in%20the%20name%20of%20God. oath of Office of Vice-president] of India to Jagdeep Dhankhar on [https://www.presidentofindia.gov.in/press_releases/president-india-administers-oath-office-vice-president-india-shri-jagdeep-dhankhar 11.08.2022].

Foreign Tours Undertaken by Dhankar

= [[Cambodia]] (November 2022) =

Jagdeep Dhankhar's first official foreign visit{{Cite web |title=Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar arrives in Cambodia on his maiden three-day foreign tour {{!}} Vice President of India {{!}} Government of India |url=https://vicepresidentofindia.nic.in/pressrelease/vice-president-shri-jagdeep-dhankhar-arrives-cambodia-his-maiden-three-day-foreign-tour |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=vicepresidentofindia.nic.in}} as vice-president was to Cambodia in November 2022. He represented India at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia and celebrating the [https://theaseanmagazine.asean.org/article/30-years-of-asean-india-relations/#:~:text=The%20year%202022%20marks%20the%2030th%20anniversary%20of,then%20gained%20Dialogue%20Partner%20status%20three%20years%20later. 30th anniversary of India-ASEAN] relations during the India-ASEAN Friendship Year.

The vice-president visited the heritage sites of Ta Prohm Temple and Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap and examined the restoration and conservation work at these cultural heritage sites, carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India. He [https://www.cpp.org.kh/en/details/331479 inaugurated the Hall of Dancers] at the Ta Prohm Temple.

== [[Qatar]] (November 2022) ==

At the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Dhankhar visited Qatar on [https://www.mea.gov.in/outgoing-visit-info.htm?2/1386/Visit+of+Vice+President+of+India+to+Qatar++November+2021+2022 20-21 November 2022].{{Cite news |last=ANI |date=2022-11-21 |title=FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 {{!}} Indian Vice-President Dhankar meets FIFA, world leaders |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-indian-vice-president-dhankar-meets-fifa-world-leaders/article66164338.ece |access-date=2024-11-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}

== [[United Kingdom]] (May 2023) ==

Dhankhar visited London on [https://www.mea.gov.in/outgoing-visit-info.htm?2/1403/Visit+of+VicePresident+Shri+Jagdeep+Dhankhar+to+London+United+KingdomMay+0506+2023 05-06 May 2023]{{Cite web |title=Foreign Visits {{!}} Vice President of India {{!}} Government of India |url=https://vicepresidentofindia.nic.in/foreign-visits |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=vicepresidentofindia.nic.in}} to attend the Coronation ceremony of H.M. King Charles III on behalf of the Government of India. Dhankhar's presence marked the second time that an Indian leader attended the coronation event in the UK, after a gap of nearly seven decades. Last time, former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru represented India when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned.

Ahead of the coronation, Vice-president Dhankhar and his wife, Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar met King Charles III, the United States First Lady Jill Biden, President of Israel- Isaac Herzog, President of Italy- Sergio Mattarella, President of Brazil- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and other world leaders during a reception hosted by King Charles III at the Buckingham Palace.

== [[Iran]] (May 2024) ==

On 22 May 2024, Vice-president Dhankhar visited the Islamic Republic of Iran{{Cite news |last=Bhattacherjee |first=Kallol |date=2024-05-21 |title=Vice-President to represent India at Raisi's condolence ceremony in Iran |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/vice-president-to-represent-india-at-raisis-condolence-ceremony-in-iran/article68201255.ece |access-date=2024-11-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} to attend the official ceremony to pay condolences on the demise of President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on 19 May 2024.{{Cite web |title=Iran helicopter crash: What we know about how Ebrahim Raisi died |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4nnd23d505o |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=www.bbc.com |date=20 May 2024 |language=en-GB}}

Other Engagements

= Keynote Speaker at Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue =

Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered the keynote address at the 2023 edition{{Cite web |title=You cannot enforce peace from position of weakness: VP Dhankhar at Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/you-cannot-enforce-peace-from-position-of-weakness-vp-dhankhar-at-indo-pacific-regional-dialogue-2771914 |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} of the [https://universalschoolofadministration.edu.in/indo-pacific-regional-dialogue-iprd/ Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD)] organised by [https://maritimeindia.org/ National Maritime Foundation] (NMF) in New Delhi. While delivering the keynote address, he supported a free and peaceful rule-based Indo-Pacific region marked by collaborative security and innovative partnerships. He called for a just and effective global regulatory regime that respects the right over EEZ, for the sustainable and equitable exploitation of marine resources and sea-bed in high seas. In his address he also underlined “You cannot negotiate peace from a position of weakness; you have to be strong on all fundamentals.”{{Cite news |date=2023-11-15 |title=You cannot enforce peace from position of weakness: Dhankhar |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/you-cannot-enforce-peace-from-position-of-weakness-dhankhar/articleshow/105234931.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-11-06 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}

= Launch of INS Mahendragiri, Mumbai =

On 1 September 2023, Dhankhar chistened the frigate Mahendragiri before it sailed into the waters of the Arabian Sea.{{Cite web |title=01.09.2023: Mahendragiri was dedicated to the nation by Vice President of India {{!}} Raj Bhavan Maharashtra {{!}} India |url=https://rajbhavan-maharashtra.gov.in/en/video/01-09-2023-mahendragiri-was-dedicated-to-the-nation-by-vice-president-of-india/ |access-date=2024-11-06 |language=en}}

= Inauguration of International Maritime Seminar- MILAN 2024, Visakhapatnam =

Dhankhar presided over the inauguration of [https://ficci.in/api/event_details/27010 International Maritime Seminar- MILAN 2024] in Visakhapatnam.{{Cite web |title=Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to attend International Maritime Seminar of 'MILAN-2024' |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/vice-president-jagdeep-dhankhar-to-attend-international-maritime-seminar-of-milan-202420240221122024/ |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=ANI News |language=en}} In his address he cautioned that unilateral actions & disregard for international law can jeopardise the security & stability of the entire region. Referring to the recent challenges to the global rule based order and supply chain disruptions, Vice-president stated that India believes in respecting the boundaries and fostering a rules based maritime order and opined that India's maritime strength will be critical to the aim of [https://cleartax.in/s/viksit-bharat-2047 Viksit Bharat @2047]. “We believe that scrupulous adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is imperative, essential and the only way for the peaceful coexistence and sustainable use of maritime resources.”{{Cite news |date=2024-02-22 |title=Unilateral actions and disregard for international law can jeopardize the security and stability of the entire region: Vice President |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/unilateral-actions-and-disregard-for-international-law-can-jeopardize-the-security-and-stability-of-the-entire-region-vice-president/articleshow/107921211.cms |access-date=2024-11-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} he further added in his address.

Promotion of Indian Culture

Dhankhar has highlighted the importance of Yoga, describing it as a significant contribution of India to the world.{{Cite web |title=VP Jagdeep Dhankar hails Centre, PM Modi for global recognition of Ayurveda |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/vp-jagdeep-dhankar-hails-centre-pm-modi-for-global-recognition-of-ayurveda-2793321 |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} In 2023, he led the [https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/9th-international-yoga-day-2023-date-theme-history-and-importance-123062000183_1.html 9th International Day] of Yoga celebrations in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. of Yoga celebrations at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh in 2023.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJrzzAb46XA |title=Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addresses 9th International Yoga Day celebration {{!}} 21 June 2023 |date=2023-06-20 |last=Sansad TV |access-date=2024-11-22 |via=YouTube}}[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJrzzAb46XA&ab_channel=SansadTV]

Referring to India's civilizational history and cultural heritage, Dhankhar underlined that many tourist destinations in the country have a deep connection with Indian history, folk arts and ancient texts. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Dhankhar described India as a “heaven for tourism”{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk0ko1eO19s&ab_channel=SansadTV |title=Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's Address {{!}} World Tourism Day event at Vigyan Bhawan {{!}} 27 Sep 2024 |date=2024-09-27 |last=Sansad TV |access-date=2024-11-22 |via=YouTube}} and asked Indians to explore domestic tourist destinations first before looking at international travel.

Dhankhar inaugurated the 23rd edition of Hornbill Festival at Kohima.{{Cite web |title=Nagaland: Vice President Dhankhar inaugurates Hornbill Festival in Kohima |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/nagaland-vice-president-dhankhar-inaugurates-hornbill-festival-in-kohima20221201191927/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=ANI News |language=en}} Praising Nagas for their unique culture and glorious history, Dhankhar said, "I salute tribal culture. I salute tribal energy…. India is a land of culture & Indians are proud of their tribal culture".{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=2022-12-01 |title=VP Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurates 23rd Hornbill Festival |url=https://nagalandtribune.in/vp-jagdeep-dhankhar-inaugurates-23rd-hornbill-festival/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Nagaland Tribune |language=en-US}}

At the inauguration of the 36th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Faridabad, he urged everyone to consider locally produced handicraft items when looking for gifts to their friends and relatives.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-04 |title=36th Surajkund Mela inaugurated {{!}} India has never believed in expansionism: Dhankhar |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/36th-surajkund-mela-inaugurated-india-has-never-believed-in-expansionism-dhankhar-8422955/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

Dhankhar has advocated for increasing the use of Sanskrit in daily life. Addressing the third convocation of the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati, Dhankhar discussed Sanskrit as a vital part of cultural heritage, describing it as a "cultural anchor" for human civilization. He called for efforts to increase Sanskrit's usage in daily life and emphasised its role in preserving India's cultural heritage.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFVHdhEZfvA&ab_channel=SansadTV |title=Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the 3rd Convocation of the National Sanskrit University, Tirupati |date=2024-04-26 |last=Sansad TV |access-date=2024-11-22 |via=YouTube}}

Dhankhar has also expressed his desire for a balanced approach between the ancient medicinal practices of Ayurveda and Siddha and modern medical sciences.{{Cite web |title=Our culture is our spine, says Vice-President {{!}} Vice President of India {{!}} Government of India |url=https://vicepresidentofindia.nic.in/pressrelease/our-culture-our-spine-says-vice-president |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=vicepresidentofindia.nic.in}}

Chancellor of Universities

As the Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar is the ex-officio Chancellor of Delhi University, Panjab University, Pondicherry University and Visitor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal.{{Cite web |title=Profile {{!}} Vice President of India {{!}} Government of India |url=https://vicepresidentofindia.nic.in/profile |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=vicepresidentofindia.nic.in}}

Chairman, Rajya Sabha

= Key Initiatives as Chairman of Rajya Sabha =

== Gender Equality in Panel of Vice-Chairpersons ==

He reconstituted the panel of Vice-Chairpersons in the 260th session to include 17 women members of the Rajya Sabha when the Rajya Sabha discussed the Nari Shakti Vandan Vidheyak Bill, 2023.{{Cite news |last=Chakrabarty |first=Sandeep Phukan & Sreeparna |date=2023-09-19 |title=Women's Reservation Bill 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' introduced by the Indian Government in Lok Sabha |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/womens-reservation-bill-govt-introduces-nari-shakti-vandan-adhiniyam-in-lok-sabha/article67322055.ece |access-date=2024-11-25 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} This move was a significant step towards ensuring better representation of women in parliamentary proceedings. The women members nominated to the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons included:{{Cite web |last=Raj |first=Neha |date=2023-09-21 |title=Historic Moment in Rajya Sabha as 13 Women Chair Nari Shakti Vandan Vidheyak Debate |url=https://pune.news/nation/historic-moment-in-rajya-sabha-as-13-women-chair-nari-shakti-vandan-vidheyak-debate-63446/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=PUNE.NEWS |language=en}}

Transition from the Old Parliament House

Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the joint session of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the Central Hall of Parliament on September 19, 2023, marking the end of the Indian Parliament's use of the historic building.