Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on health grounds in a surprising move that left the nation’s second-highest constitutional office vacant. His resignation took place just one year and two months into the second term of the NDA government, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to Article 66 of the Constitution of India, the election to the Vice President’s office has to be conducted “as soon as possible” so that there is not a long period of vacancy.
Though the Election Commission is yet to announce an official date, whispers are already running in political circles. A set of names — some anticipated, others unexpected — have already started going rounds as possible successors.
Would Nitish Kumar be Given a Dignified Exit?
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar could be the last one to go, but political gossip just won’t subside. JD(U) partner Upendra Kushwaha has already hinted at asking Nitish to step down and pass the baton to the next generation. Furthermore, Union Minister Chirag Paswan declaring his intention to contest the next Bihar election lends further credence to this hypothesis. Kumar, the longest-serving Bihar CM, could be eyeing the Vice President’s position as a dignified retirement from state politics.
VK Saxena’s Delhi Move a Sign of a Larger One?
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, 67, might be on his way to a bigger job. A past corporate boss and the latest face of Centre’s assertiveness in the governance of Delhi, Saxena has frequently been at odds with the AAP government. His firmness on administrative issues — including appointments and policy decisions such as those pertaining to the Delhi Jal Board — defined his image as a robust counterpart to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Most feel Saxena’s promotion may be both political and bureaucratic symbolism for the party in power.
Manoj Sinha’s Tenure in J&K Comes Close to an End
Manoj Sinha, 66, the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, is another robust contender. His five-year stint is over on August 6, in a matter of weeks from now. A veteran BJP leader and former Union minister from Uttar Pradesh, Sinha was an important cog in stabilizing the state post- Article 370 abrogation. Yet, his tenure gets concluded on a somber note — with the latest Pahalgam terror attack that saw 25 tourists and a pony operator get killed. In spite of that, his administrative acumen makes him a strong contender.
What Comes Next?
With the Vice President’s seat vacant, political circles continue to buzz. Each possible candidate offers unique strengths and liabilities — regional clout, administrative control, or political heritage. The NDA will probably have to balance electoral arithmetic and national communication in making its selection. Although the official process is pending, the intramural contest for India’s future Vice President has well and truly commenced.
