Key Points
- Election for India’s next Vice President to be announced soon after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s surprise resignation.
- BJP-led NDA likely to choose a strategic candidate for 2025 amid political realignments.
- Front-runners reportedly include BJP National President JP Nadda, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje, J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, and Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.
- Each candidate represents a different political calculation region, caste, gender, or community offering crucial leverage for BJP and its allies.
- The Vice Presidential poll is an indirect election, with MPs from both Houses casting ballots; the result will shape the Rajya Sabha’s leadership and influence 2029 general election alignments.
New Delhi: After Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation on July 21, all eyes are on the BJP-led NDA to reveal its candidate for one of India’s highest constitutional offices. The Election Commission is expected to announce the timeline for the Vice Presidential election within days, with the new VP likely to be sworn in before Parliament’s next session.
Top Contenders in the Spotlight
Here’s an updated look at the leading names and what each brings to the table:
| Name | Current/Previous Role | Key Strengths & Political Value |
|---|---|---|
| Jagat Prakash Nadda | BJP National President; Rajya Sabha MP | Trusted Modi ally, long organizational experience, can galvanize party cadre, possible move to reward for success as party chief. |
| Harivansh Narayan Singh | Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha (JDU); Senior journalist | Well-respected in Parliament, cross-party rapport, from Bihar—key for NDA’s east India outreach. |
| Vasundhara Raje | Ex-Chief Minister, Rajasthan; Senior BJP Leader | Mass leader status, women’s empowerment symbol, could boost party in Rajasthan after recent Congress revival. |
| Manoj Sinha | Lt. Governor, Jammu & Kashmir; ex-MP, former union minister | Clean image, handled sensitive J&K role, administrative acumen, roots in politically vital UP. |
| Arif Mohammad Khan | Governor, Bihar; ex-MP and union minister | Senior leader with unique cross-party career, Muslim community outreach, close to Modi-Shah leadership. |
Political Calculations Behind the Choices
- JP Nadda: Elevating him could open up the BJP national president’s spot for new faces ahead of state polls and 2029 Lok Sabha strategy. Nadda’s wide network and loyalty make him a strong consensus candidate for the NDA.
- Harivansh Narayan Singh: As a former journalist and effective Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, his selection would signal continuity and stability, while helping court support from regional allies like JDU.
- Vasundhara Raje: Tapping a woman leader from Rajasthan would counter Congress gains and reaffirm BJP’s commitment to women’s leadership especially important for upcoming state campaigns.
- Manoj Sinha: Rewarding his performance in J&K could be politically significant for BJP’s narrative on national security and governance, while drawing on eastern UP’s political heft.
- Arif Mohammad Khan: Known for his principled stances and reformist image, Khan could help the NDA strengthen its outreach to minorities and present a liberal face domestically and abroad.
What’s Next?
- The Election Commission will soon formalize the Vice Presidential poll schedule (typically within six weeks of a vacancy).
- MPs from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha will vote, with the NDA currently holding a parliamentary advantage.
- The winner will play a crucial role as the Rajya Sabha’s new Chairman at a time of major legislative battles and opposition resurgence.
Strategic Stakes
With the 2029 General Election on the horizon and Parliament increasingly polarized, the Modi government’s pick will be about more than symbolism. It will be a message about the NDA’s vision for the next phase of Indian politics whether consolidating its social base, rewarding competence and loyalty, or winning over new constituencies.
Advertisement
