Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as the Vice President of India on Monday evening “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice”. The surprise announcement came on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament — hours after he adjourned the Rajya Sabha. His departure has set the stage for a mandatory election with several leading politicians named as possible contenders for the country’s second-highest constitutional post. The Election Commission of India must conduct the poll within 60 days — with India getting a new Vice President by September 19.
The sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar has been questioned by multiple opposition leaders — with some including Congress’ Jairam Ramesh alleging that the abrupt announcement may have been ‘political’ in nature. RJD MLA Mukesh Roshan also made waves on Tuesday after claiming that Dhankhar had stepped down to make way for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ahead of elections in the state. Others opined that Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh or Health Minister JP Nadda would take over the top role. Speculative reports have also named Congress MP Shashi Tharoor as a potential nominee.
What happens when a Vice President resigns?
Dhankhar was appointed as the Vice President of India in August 2022 after a stint as West Bengal Governor. He was also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and presided over proceedings in the Upper House of Parliament until Monday. According to Article 92 of the Indian Constitution, the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha — or any other member designated by the House — will now lead matters in his absence. His exit well before the official end of term in 2027 has also triggered an election involving members of both Houses.
There is currently one seat vacant in the 543 member Lok Sabha — with the BJP-led NDA enjoying the support of 293 lawmakers. Meanwhile the effective strength of the Rajya Sabha currently stands at 240 (out of 245) with the ruling coalition backed by 129 members. A winning vice presidential candidate will therefore need to win 394 out of 786 votes. Put more simply, any candidate supported by the NDA is likely to secure the position of Vice President since it currently holds the cumulative support of 422 lawmakers.
Who will be the next Vice President of India?
Politicians from across the spectrum have suggested that Nitish Kumar might be in the running for Vice President — with multiple BJP leaders hailing the possibility. Meanwhile the Opposition RJD claimed that that resignation of Dhankhar was a “conspiracy” hatched by the ruling party to “shunt” Kumar ahead of Bihar Assembly elections — giving him a politically insignificant post and rendering him ineligible as Chief Minister. Members of the BJP and JD(U) have both denied the assertion and insist that Kumar remains the “face of the NDA” for the upcoming elections.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh — who took over House proceedings from Dhankhar on Tuesday — has also been suggested as a candidate. He enjoys a cordial relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top officials, and is increasingly viewed as an “obvious” next choice. Two Union Ministers — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Health Minister JP Nadda — have also been suggested as contenders. It is however pertinent to note that the BJP has been known to select ‘dark horse’ candidates in the past and there is currently no official confirmation about their nominee.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has also emerged as an unlikely contender with many on social media broaching the possibility. The Thiruvananthapuram MP has repeatedly made headlines in recent months for his seeming proximity to the Modi government and repeated support for its initiatives. Tharoor had also led a government outreach team following Operation Sindoor and found himself repeatedly clashing with Congress leaders over his ‘loyalties’.