Day after V-P Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, Deputy Chairman Harivansh chairs Rajya Sabha proceedings
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon initially on Tuesday, amid a ruckus by Opposition MPs, and then till 2 pm.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh greets members of the House during the Monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi. (PTI) 
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A day after the sudden resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Deputy Chairman Harivansh chaired the proceedings in the Upper House on Tuesday as it saw repeated adjournments.
As soon as the session convened on Tuesday morning, the chair announced, “The occurrence of vacancy in the office of honourable vice-president is envisaged in the Constitution. As and when communication in respect of further constitutional process is received, the same shall be shared.” The Rajya Sabha was then adjourned till noon amid a ruckus by Opposition MPs.
As soon as it reconvened at 12 pm, with Ghanshyam Tiwari in the Chair, he said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs, vide a notification on July 22, has conveyed the resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar under Article 67A of the Constitution with immediate effect.” Even as Question Hour was to ensue after this, the House was adjourned till 2 pm.
Soon after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, “Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.”
When the House reconvened at 2 pm with Deputy Chairman Harivansh in the Chair, it was adjourned for the day in less than a minute. Amidst ruckus, the Deputy Chairman called on Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to move a motion for consideration of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, urged members to return to their seats, and then adjourned the House till 11 am Wednesday.
In a surprise late-evening development, Vice-President Dhankhar announced on Monday that he was stepping down from his post, with two years to go for his five-year tenure to end, citing health concerns. His resignation, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, was with immediate effect.
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Earlier this year, Dhankhar was hospitalised after complaining of uneasiness, and underwent a procedure. But since then, he had performed his official duties in the House as well as attended events across the country.
Opening the Monsoon Session on Monday, he had urged members across party lines to reduce acrimony. “While political parties may pursue the same goals through different approaches, no one in India opposes the nation’s interests… Dialogue and discussion, not conflict, are the way forward.”
In his resignation letter, Dhankhar had thanked the President for her “unwavering support” and the “soothing, wonderful working relationship” they shared. He expressed gratitude to PM Modi and the Union Council of Ministers for their “invaluable support,” and wrote that the warmth and affection shown by Members of Parliament “will remain embedded in my memory”.
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