New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is expected to nominate a BJP leader as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, with the final decision slated to be made after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his overseas visit.
According to sources within the ruling alliance, the BJP leadership is of the view that the post which also includes the crucial role of Rajya Sabha Chairman should ideally be held by a senior party figure who commands experience and stature in parliamentary affairs.
At the top of the list is Thawar Chand Gehlot, current Governor of Karnataka, former Union Minister, and a veteran Dalit leader from Madhya Pradesh. Gehlot, known for his parliamentary acumen and long-standing association with the party, is emerging as the front-runner. His selection would reinforce the party’s outreach to backward and marginalized communities, a constituency the BJP has steadily courted in recent years.
Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes developments reveal that the Centre had attempted to convince outgoing Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to reconsider his resignation submitted earlier this week. However, Dhankhar stood firm, reportedly frustrated over the government’s move to proceed unilaterally in the Lok Sabha with impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Verma, while he, in contrast, chose to allow an opposition-sponsored motion in the Rajya Sabha a move seen as a rare divergence from the government line.
This divergence reportedly caused discontent within the ruling ranks, ultimately resulting in Dhankhar stepping down. His departure has now triggered a race for succession, with the BJP eager to install a loyal and seasoned leader in the second-highest constitutional post.
The formal announcement of the NDA’s nominee is expected soon after Prime Minister Modi's return, as party strategists assess political messaging, caste dynamics, and parliamentary strength in shaping their final choice.