India, July 22 -- Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation shocker on Monday evening has triggered a high-stakes political process to elect his successor, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) expected to announce a candidate soon.

The 74-year-old leader stepped down citing health concerns after three years of tenure as VP and Rajya Sabha chairman.

"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," Dhankhar wrote in his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu.

His resignation coincided with the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament and...