Next Vice President likely from BJP: 'Closely associated with the party's ideology'
PTC News Desk: Amid persistent speculation over who will succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar following his resignation on the first day of the Monsoon Session, sources have clarified that the next Vice President will be from the BJP, dismissing any possibility of JD(U) leader and Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur being considered for the role.
Sources indicated that the BJP is likely to select a candidate who closely aligns with the party’s core ideology. Rumours suggesting Thakur’s potential elevation were termed baseless. His recent meeting with BJP national president JP Nadda was described as a routine engagement, with several MPs also meeting Nadda during that time. No discussions regarding Thakur’s nomination reportedly took place between JD(U) and BJP leaders.
Thakur’s name gained traction amid chatter that the BJP might select a leader from Bihar for the Vice President’s post, especially with state Assembly elections on the horizon. One theory suggests Dhankhar’s resignation could clear the path for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to be elevated to the role, as a strategic move to keep him aligned with the NDA ahead of the polls.
On Tuesday, BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur further stoked speculation by stating, “It will be very good for Bihar if Nitish Kumar is made the Vice President.”
The BJP sees the upcoming Bihar elections as crucial, having never formed a government in the state independently. Elevating Nitish Kumar to the Centre could create political openings in Bihar and signal sustained NDA cohesion.
That same day, Dhankhar refrained from presiding over the Rajya Sabha, with Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh of the JD(U) stepping in. Harivansh, who has held the position since 2020, is expected to chair the House for the rest of the session. His presence at the helm could help reinforce the NDA’s appeal in Bihar ahead of the elections.
- With inputs from agencies
