Jagdeep Dhankhar was born on 18 May 1951 in Kithana, Rajasthan, in a humble Jat family. He attended Sainik School in Chittorgarh, which gave him discipline and a spirit of service. He then earned B.Sc. and LLB degrees from the University of Rajasthan, excelling in academics and leadership.
Legal Career
Starting as a lawyer, Dhankhar quickly made a name for himself. He became President of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association, handling high-profile cases and building a strong legal reputation.
Entry into Politics
Dhankhar entered public life in 1989 as Lok Sabha MP from Jhunjhunu. He was appointed Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in 1990 under Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar. Later, he represented Kishangarh as an MLA, focusing on development and people’s welfare.
Political Journey & Achievements
Dhankhar worked with Janata Dal and Congress before joining BJP in 2003. He held legislative and public service roles and led many social justice and rural development efforts, building a legacy in state and national politics.
Governor of West Bengal
Appointed in July 2019, Dhankhar became known for his bold stands on constitutional matters and his active role in West Bengal politics.
Vice Presidency (2022–2025)
Elected as the 14th Vice President of India in August 2022, he also chaired the Rajya Sabha. Dhankhar was praised for being impartial, knowing parliamentary rules well, and encouraging meaningful debate. He resigned in July 2025 due to health concerns, finishing a notable public career.
Personal Life & Legacy
He is married to Sudesh Dhankhar and has a daughter. Known for his simple lifestyle, rural background, and long-standing dedication to public service, Dhankhar’s journey from a small village to Vice President is a story of perseverance and service to the nation.