New Delhi, July 26 — The race for India’s next Vice President is officially underway following the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar from the post. The Election Commission has already named a Returning Officer to oversee the electoral process, signaling the formal start of preparations. Meanwhile, discussions have intensified within the BJP-led NDA alliance to decide on a suitable candidate.

Dhankhar’s departure has raised eyebrows, with reports suggesting that his resignation may have come under pressure from the central government. However, even in his exit, he has left the ruling party with two critical challenges: choosing a candidate whose ideology closely aligns with the BJP, and preparing for the possibility of the opposition fielding a strong rival.

The upcoming election will involve an electoral college of 782 MPs, drawn from both houses of Parliament. The NDA currently controls 425 of those seats, giving it a numerical edge — but not one it can afford to take lightly, especially in a politically charged environment.

Dhankhar’s Journey and Controversial Exit

Jagdeep Dhankhar began his political career in 1991 as a Member of Parliament from the Janata Dal, before switching to the Congress and eventually aligning with the BJP. A senior advocate in the Supreme Court, Dhankhar first caught the BJP’s attention for his sharp legal mind and was appointed as the Governor of West Bengal, where he frequently clashed with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In 2022, the NDA nominated him as their Vice Presidential candidate, a post he won with ease. However, his tenure was marked by a non-traditional and outspoken approach. Dhankhar often made bold remarks, even targeting the judiciary. His public comments on Justice Yashwant Varma and acceptance of a motion for impeachment against the judge — initiated by the opposition — reportedly angered the central government. Hours after this controversial move, Dhankhar tendered his resignation.

Who’s Next? NDA Treads Cautiously

Following Dhankhar’s abrupt exit, NDA leaders say they are proceeding with extreme caution in selecting a new nominee. Among the names being considered is Harivansh Narayan Singh, the current Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Singh is known for his calm demeanor, parliamentary experience, and has earned the trust of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. His elevation to Vice President would be a natural progression, and strategically significant given the upcoming elections in states like Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

While no final decision has been made, a senior BJP leader stated that internal consultations are yet to formally begin, but speculation is rife. “Whatever choice is made next,” the leader said, “will take into account the recent turbulence and its political implications.”

As the NDA evaluates its options and the opposition potentially prepares to mount a challenge, all eyes are now on who will step into the shoes of India’s next Vice President — a role that, as Dhankhar’s tenure showed, can wield significant influence both inside and outside Parliament.