President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, triggering intense speculation over his successor. With Dhankhar stepping down, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has begun deliberations to identify a strong replacement for the post.
Given the NDA’s comfortable majority in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the Modi government is expected to face no difficulty in ensuring its candidate’s victory. However, sources suggest the BJP is determined to appoint a figure closely aligned with the party’s ideology rather than offering the position to an ally from the coalition.
BJP Aims for a Party Veteran
According to party insiders, the next Vice President could be a seasoned leader from the BJP’s own ranks—possibly a former governor, a senior party functionary, or even a Union minister. The BJP is reportedly looking for a candidate with a commanding personality and an unblemished public image, much like former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, who had served as BJP president and a cabinet minister before his election to the post in 2017.
One senior BJP leader hinted that the party would give preference to a veteran with long-standing ties to the organization, saying, “We want someone with a strong personality and unquestioned reputation. The decision will be made after careful thought.”
Ramnath Thakur’s Name Surfaces—But Ruled Out
Speculation briefly swirled around Union minister and JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Ramnath Thakur after BJP president JP Nadda met him on Wednesday. Thakur, the son of former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur and a leader from an extremely backward caste, was seen as a possible pick. However, sources have clarified that the meeting was purely formal and related to the Bihar State Industrial Resolution (SIR) issue, not the vice-presidential election.
BJP leaders insist no discussions have taken place with the JD(U) or its leadership regarding the role, and Nadda’s meetings included several MPs, not just Thakur.
The Current Scenario in the Rajya Sabha
Dhankhar, who took oath as India’s 14th Vice President in 2022, was due to serve until August 2027. His tenure was marked by frequent clashes with opposition leaders in the Rajya Sabha and occasional remarks that sparked controversy—even creating uncomfortable moments for the government.
As Vice President, Dhankhar also served as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. With no constitutional provision for an acting Vice President, the responsibility of presiding over the Upper House currently lies with Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh until a new appointment is made.
Decision Expected After Deliberations
The BJP’s leadership is expected to continue internal discussions before announcing its nominee. While the ruling party’s numerical strength virtually guarantees its candidate’s election, political observers believe the choice will be strategic—balancing party loyalty, political experience, and public perception.