By Harshita Rai
The sudden, rather mysterious resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar this week has done more than just create a constitutional vacancy. It has opened a fascinating new chapter in India’s political narrative. While “health reasons” were cited, the rapid developments before his exit, especially the controversy over a judicial impeachment motion, strongly suggest a deeper political game at play. This isn’t just about filling a post; it’s about strategic positioning, alliance dynamics, and the subtle assertion of power on the national stage.
The timing of Dhankhar’s departure, coming right as Parliament’s Monsoon Session began, was unusual. Reports indicate that his decision to unilaterally accept an opposition-backed motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma caught the Union government off-guard. This action reportedly disrupted the government’s carefully laid plans to control the narrative on judicial corruption. The swift response – a huddle of senior ministers, the rapid collection of signatures from NDA MPs for a counter-motion, and briefings to ruling party members about Dhankhar’s alleged “crossings of the line” – all point to a concerted effort to manage a situation that clearly moved beyond expectations.
In this context, the race for the next Vice President becomes far more than a routine election. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has already started preparations to fill the post “as soon as possible.” The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with its strong majority in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, holds the deciding votes. The Vice President is elected by an electoral college of all Members of Parliament. With over 420 lawmakers in the 786-member combined Houses, the NDA’s chosen candidate is widely expected to win.
Frontrunners and Potential Surprises Emerge
Several prominent political figures are now being discussed as potential candidates:
- Nitish Kumar: The Chief Minister of Bihar and a key NDA ally. His name has gained significant attention, with some observers suggesting this could be an “honorable exit” from state politics, potentially paving the way for a new generation in Bihar. However, leaders from both BJP and JD(U) have publicly dismissed these claims, stating Kumar remains the NDA’s face for the upcoming Bihar elections. The RJD, an opposition party, has even called it a “conspiracy” to sideline him.
- Harivansh Narayan Singh: Currently the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and a Janata Dal (United) MP. Harivansh Singh is seen as a strong contender due to his parliamentary experience and good rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior government officials. Many view him as an “obvious” choice given his role in the Upper House.
- Union Ministers: Senior BJP leaders like Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Health Minister J.P. Nadda are also frequently mentioned. Both possess extensive experience, making them strong potential candidates. However, the BJP has often surprised observers with its choices for top constitutional posts, sometimes opting for less expected “dark horse” candidates. According to a recent report, Ram Nath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture and son of former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur, is also being seen as a frontrunner, potentially appealing to backward communities.
- Other Notables: Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena and Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have also appeared in speculative reports. Sinha’s tenure as J&K LG is set to conclude in early August, aligning with the timeline for such a transition.
- Shashi Tharoor (Opposition): Intriguingly, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s name has surfaced in social media discussions as an unlikely contender. This comes amidst perceptions of his occasional alignment with the Modi government on certain issues. However, there is no official confirmation or backing for this speculation from either side.
The Election Process and What’s Next
The Vice President’s election follows Article 66 of the Constitution. It’s an indirect election conducted by an electoral college of all Members of Parliament (both elected and nominated). Voting happens through a system of proportional representation using a single transferable vote via secret ballot. The Election Commission is expected to announce the full election schedule “as soon as possible,” which will formally begin the nomination process.
Dhankhar’s sudden departure, especially against the backdrop of parliamentary clashes during his tenure, adds an intriguing element to the upcoming election. While his brother-in-law cited long-standing health issues, the opposition, including Congress leaders, has publicly questioned the suddenness. Some have called for greater transparency, hinting at “deeper reasons” beyond health. This backdrop ensures that the race for India’s next Vice President will be closely watched, as it could signal major shifts in the nation’s political landscape.
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