🏛️ Jagdeep Dhankhar: From Humble Beginnings to India’s 14th Vice President
Jagdeep Dhankhar, a seasoned lawyer and veteran politician, served as the 14th Vice President of India from August 11, 2022, until his resignation on July 21, 2025, due to health concerns. His multifaceted career—spanning law, politics, and governance—reflects a lifelong commitment to public service and constitutional values.
📚 Early Life and Education
Born on May 18, 1951, in Kithana village of Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, Dhankhar hailed from a humble, agrarian background. After primary and middle school education in local government institutions, he earned admission to Sainik School, Chittorgarh in 1962 on a full merit scholarship.
He later graduated with a B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics and an LLB from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur—an academic foundation that would shape his future legal and political journey.
⚖️ Distinguished Legal Career
Dhankhar began practicing law in 1979 after enrolling with the Bar Council of Rajasthan. In March 1990, he was designated a Senior Advocate by the Rajasthan High Court, and soon after began practicing primarily in the Supreme Court of India. His areas of specialization included constitutional law, mining and energy law, and international commercial arbitration.
He also served as President of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association and was regarded as the senior-most designated Senior Advocate in Rajasthan until his gubernatorial appointment in 2019.
🗳️ Political Rise: From Parliamentarian to Minister
Dhankhar entered the political arena in 1989, elected to the 9th Lok Sabha on a Janata Dal ticket. He served as Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in Chandra Shekhar’s cabinet (1990–1991).
He transitioned to state politics in 1993, becoming an MLA from Kishangarh in Rajasthan. Over the next decade, Dhankhar shifted party affiliations—from the Indian National Congress (1991–2003) to the BJP (from 2003)—eventually heading the BJP’s Law and Legal Affairs Department in 2016.
🏵️ Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022)
On July 30, 2019, he was appointed Governor of West Bengal, a role marked by active engagement with the state government and frequent assertions of constitutional authority. His tenure, which ended in July 2022, was defined by a spirited emphasis on federalism, democratic functioning, and institutional checks and balances.
🏛️ Vice Presidency (2022–2025)
In July 2022, the NDA nominated Dhankhar for the Vice Presidential election, promoting him as a “Kisan Putra” (farmer’s son). He defeated opposition candidate Margaret Alva with 528 votes out of 710—the largest victory margin in a VP election since 1992.
As Vice President, he served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, promoting parliamentary decorum, productivity, and the protection of diverse viewpoints. He also held ex-officio positions as Chancellor of Delhi University and Panjab University.
🩺 Resignation and Legacy
On July 21, 2025, Dhankhar resigned from the Vice Presidency, citing health issues and the need to follow medical advice. His resignation marked the end of a distinguished career in law, politics, and constitutional governance.
👨👩👧 Personal Life and Interests
Dhankhar is married to Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, and the couple has one daughter. Outside of politics, he has maintained a strong interest in sports and education, having served as President of the Rajasthan Olympic Association and the Rajasthan Tennis Association. He is also an avid reader and constitutional enthusiast.
🌟 Final Thoughts
From a village in Rajasthan to the Vice Presidency of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar’s life story is one of grit, intellect, and public service. His resignation in 2025 may mark the end of his formal public role, but his contributions—as a lawyer, minister, governor, and vice president—will continue to shape Indian polity for years to come.