In a significant political development, top sources within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have confirmed that the next Vice President of India will be a seasoned veteran from within the party ranks. This announcement effectively ends speculation that the ruling party might consider prominent allies—particularly Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar—for the coveted post.
Speaking to NDTV, a senior BJP leader emphasized, “The Vice President will be someone closely aligned with the party’s core ideology and deeply associated with its growth over the years.” This clarifies that the BJP intends to maintain ideological consistency in the Vice President’s office following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation.
Earlier buzz was triggered by a meeting between JDU leader and Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur and BJP President JP Nadda. However, BJP insiders have categorically denied any political implications, stating the interaction was purely routine and that no discussions with JDU regarding the Vice Presidential nomination had taken place.
Election Commission Begins Preparations
The Election Commission of India has begun preliminary groundwork for the upcoming Vice Presidential election. According to a press note issued by the poll body, key pre-announcement activities are already underway. These include:
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Finalizing the Electoral College (comprising elected and nominated members of both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha)
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Appointing the Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officers
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Preparing background materials on all previous Vice Presidential elections
The Commission noted that the full election schedule will be announced soon after formal procedural clearances.
Opposition Yet to Name Candidate
With the ruling party moving forward with its plans, the Opposition has yet to propose a name. Historically, only four of India’s 16 Vice Presidential elections have been uncontested. Therefore, political analysts believe the Opposition may announce its nominee in the days to come.
The Resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar
The Vice Presidential election was necessitated by the unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who vacated office well before the end of his term scheduled for August 2027. Officially, Mr. Dhankhar cited health concerns. However, various theories have emerged from political circles regarding the true reasons for his departure.
Government insiders suggest that Mr. Dhankhar had increasingly diverged from the party line. His decision to accept an Opposition-supported impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma is being cited as the final straw. His public criticism of agricultural policies and his vocal support for farmers—particularly his pointed questions to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan—reportedly strained his relationship with the central leadership.
There were even murmurs of a no-confidence motion being considered against him if he chose not to resign voluntarily.
No JDU Role in Nomination, Say BJP Leaders
Amid the political churn, several names were speculated to be in the running, including Nitish Kumar. Political observers felt the BJP might choose a leader from Bihar with a view to strengthening its electoral pitch ahead of the crucial state elections.
However, party sources have strongly rejected these claims. “There has been no outreach to JDU regarding the Vice President’s position,” one source asserted.
What to Expect Next
As the BJP closes in on finalizing its nominee, the political landscape is expected to heat up in the coming weeks. With the Vice Presidential election on the horizon and the Opposition still undecided, all eyes are on how both camps will navigate the high-stakes selection.
