In a political development that has stirred national and regional discourse, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons. His resignation was formally accepted on July 22, 2025. While the move has triggered constitutional formalities at the central level, it has especially ignited a political storm in Bihar, with speculation rife that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar might be tapped as the next Vice President of India.
RJD Claims a Political Plot, JDU Denies
Shortly after Dhankhar’s resignation, RJD MLA Mukesh Roshan made a bold claim, alleging that the move was engineered to pave the way for Nitish Kumar to assume the Vice President’s role. “This is a strategy by the BJP to sideline the JDU,” Roshan stated, further suggesting that Nitish Kumar’s resignation as Bihar CM could be imminent.
However, JDU leader Madan Sahni quickly refuted these claims, calling them baseless and misleading. “There is no pressure on anyone in the NDA. Nitish Kumar will remain Chief Minister of Bihar. Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned purely for health-related reasons,” Sahni clarified.
BJP Calls Possibility of Nitish Becoming VP “A Fortune for Bihar”
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul took a more neutral stance, stating, “If Nitish Kumar becomes Vice President, it would be a matter of pride and good fortune for Bihar.” He added that such decisions lie beyond his control but welcomed the possibility as a positive step for the state.
Dhankhar’s Exit Sparks Political Frenzy
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s tenure was originally set to end in 2027, but his early resignation has sparked widespread political speculation. Some opposition leaders, including MP Pappu Yadav, have called the move “a political game,” implying strategic reshuffling ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
The RJD maintains that Nitish Kumar is being prepped to shift to the national stage, allowing BJP greater control in Bihar. While the BJP has not officially commented on the succession plan, reactions from leaders across parties indicate a rapidly evolving political landscape.
Political Temperature Rises in Bihar
With multiple political narratives emerging, the speculation over Nitish Kumar’s next move has intensified. While some see this as a BJP strategy to neutralize JDU’s influence, others believe it’s an opportunity for Bihar to gain greater representation at the national level.
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding Nitish Kumar’s future role. However, the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar has undeniably set the stage for significant political shifts in both Delhi and Patna.