Top BJP sources have firmly denied speculation that JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar is being considered for the Vice President’s post following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation. According to senior party leaders, the new Vice President will be a veteran closely aligned with the BJP’s ideology. “The Vice President will be someone deeply rooted in the party’s core principles,” a senior BJP leader told NDTV.
Buzz around Nitish Kumar’s possible elevation gained traction after Union Minister and JDU leader Ram Nath Thakur met BJP president JP Nadda. However, BJP insiders dismissed the meeting as a routine engagement and confirmed that no discussions have taken place with JDU leaders regarding the Vice Presidential post.
The Election Commission has begun preliminary preparations for the Vice Presidential election, though an official schedule is yet to be announced. A press note from the poll body outlined that key pre-election processes—such as finalising the electoral college, appointing returning officers, and compiling background material from past elections—are already underway.
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The Opposition is yet to nominate a candidate, although history suggests that a contest is likely. Only four of the 16 Vice Presidential elections held so far have been uncontested.
Mr. Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation, despite his term ending only in August 2027, has sparked considerable speculation. Though he cited health reasons, sources within the government suggest deeper tensions. His acceptance of an opposition-backed motion to impeach Justice Yashwant Varma reportedly crossed a red line. His public questioning of Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and perceived leniency toward the Opposition were also viewed unfavourably. Sources say that had he not stepped down, the government was considering bringing a no-confidence motion against him.
Following his departure, several names have been floated as potential successors, including Nitish Kumar—rumoured to be a strategic choice ahead of the Bihar elections. However, BJP sources have strongly refuted this possibility, insisting the party will select one of its own for the high office.
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