India, July 28 -- Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation on Monday last has caught the nation by surprise. During the day, he presided over the Rajya Sabha on the inaugural day of its monsoon session. His office had issued a Press note listing his schedule for the next few days, including a visit to Jaipur in his home state of Rajasthan.

Later in the evening, he met the President, Droupadi Murmu, and submitted his resignation letter. The letter said, "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."

The resignation was accepted immediately, and he went back to his status as a humble citizen of India. The...