Who Will Be India's Next Vice President? BJP Likely To Choose A Leader Aligned With Party's Core Ideology

Speculation surrounding the successor to Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned on the first day of the Monsoon Session, has been rife.

However, the next Vice President will be from the BJP, not JD(U) leader and Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur, India Today reported citing sources.

The BJP is set to appoint a candidate closely aligned with its core ideology, the sources added, dismissing rumors about Ram Nath Thakur's consideration for the post as unfounded.

Thakur's recent meeting with BJP president JP Nadda was simply a routine interaction, according to sources.

They also pointed out that multiple MPs had met Nadda during the same timeframe, and there were no discussions between JD(U) and BJP regarding Thakur's candidacy.

Thakur's name emerged amid rumours that the BJP might opt for a leader from Bihar as the next Vice President, especially with state Assembly elections approaching.

Another speculation suggested that Dhankhar's resignation could clear the path for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to be elevated to the post as a strategic move ahead of the polls.

BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur fueled the speculation on Tuesday, stating, "It will be very good for Bihar if Nitish Kumar is made the Vice President."

The BJP is keenly focused on the upcoming Bihar elections, where it has never been in power alone. Elevating Nitish to the Centre could create political opportunities in the state and reinforce NDA unity.

On the same day, Dhankhar did not chair the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. In his absence, Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh-also from the JD(U)-presided over the House.

Harivansh, in his role since 2020, is likely to chair the House for the rest of the session.

The sight of a Bihar leader leading Upper House proceedings could serve the NDA's interests in the run-up to the polls.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has begun preparations for the Vice Presidential election. In a press note, the poll body said that the election schedule will be announced after the formalities.

"Major pre-announcement activities which have already been started include: (i) Preparation of Electoral College which consists of elected as well as nominated members of Rajya Sabha as well as Lok Sabha; (ii) Finalisation of Returning Officer/ Assistant Returning Officer(s); and (iii) Preparation and dissemination of Background Material on all the previous Vice-Presidential Elections," the poll body has said.

The Opposition has not yet proposed a candidate for the Vice President role.

Historically, only four out of 16 Vice Presidential elections were uncontested, so the Opposition is expected to announce a name in due course.

The election for the new Vice President comes after the unexpected resignation of Dhankhar.

Though the former Vice President, whose term was set to end in August 2027, cited health reasons, there is widespread speculation regarding the real motive behind his decision.

Dhankhar crossed several red lines, with his decision to accept an opposition-backed motion to impeach Justice Yashwant Varma being the key trigger, NDTV reported citing sources.

After the Opposition filed a no-confidence motion against him, the government believed Dhankhar was providing too much of a platform to opposition leaders.

His stance on farmers' issues, particularly his questions to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a public event, was not well received. A no-confidence motion against him was reportedly also in the works if Dhankhar had refused to resign.

Also Read: EC Begins Process For Vice-Presidential Election After Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation