BJP dismisses Nitish Kumar buzz, hints own VP.
As the tenure of the current Vice President nears its end, the Commission is finalizing key dates, procedural guidelines, and logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth and transparent election process. While speculation continues over potential candidates, sources indicate that the ruling BJP is likely to nominate its own contender, dismissing recent buzz around Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The formal notification and election schedule are expected soon.
BJP Rules Out Nitish Kumar for Vice President Role, Focuses on Veteran Party Leader
New Delhi: With the Vice Presidential post falling vacant following the unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, political speculation had begun swirling—particularly around potential candidates from key BJP allies. Among the names doing the rounds was that of Bihar Chief Minister and JDU chief Nitish Kumar, whose possible elevation was being linked to political realignments ahead of the crucial Bihar assembly elections. However, top BJP sources have now firmly ruled out the possibility.
The idea of picking someone from an allied party is out of the question,” said a senior BJP leader.
The clarification comes after a routine meeting between Union Minister and JDU leader Ram Nath Thakur and BJP national president JP Nadda triggered a flurry of speculation. Many interpreted the meeting as a possible signal of growing warmth between the two parties and a hint at Nitish Kumar being considered for the second-highest constitutional office in the country.
However, BJP insiders were quick to dismiss such theories, calling the meeting “routine” and unrelated to the Vice Presidential election. They emphasized that the BJP leadership has not had any formal conversations with the JDU or its top brass regarding the Vice Presidential role.
In a press note, the poll body announced that it is working through the pre-schedule formalities and will announce the polling timeline soon. According to the ECI, key activities are already underway, including:
Finalization of the Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer(s) for the election.
Compilation and dissemination of background material on previous Vice Presidential elections for procedural reference.
The Commission has stressed that it is ensuring all legal and administrative protocols are in place for a smooth and transparent election process.
The Opposition, on the other hand, has yet to propose a candidate for the Vice Presidential post. Political analysts believe that the Opposition may bide its time and wait for the BJP to announce its nominee before responding. Historically, only four out of sixteen Vice Presidential elections in India have gone uncontested, so it’s likely the Opposition will field a candidate and the election will head into a competitive phase.
While Dhankhar has not publicly stated his reasons, sources suggest it may be linked to political ambitions in his home state of Rajasthan or a potential role in the central government.
In the days ahead, all eyes will be on the BJP’s announcement. With the party ruling out outside contenders and reaffirming its commitment to a veteran leader from its own ranks, speculation is now focused inward—on seasoned names who have long.
As the political chessboard gets set for yet another high-stakes election, the Vice Presidency—often seen as a ceremonial role—is becoming a strategic post with potential long-term implications for both governance and party positioning.