NDA may announce its Vice Presidential candidate tomorrow

 

    New Delhi, August 16: The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is expected to finalize its candidate for the post of Vice President of India on Sunday, August 17, during a high-level meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary Board. The announcement comes at a crucial time, as the deadline for filing nominations approaches, and opposition parties weigh the option of fielding a joint candidate.

    Sources within the NDA reveal that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President JP Nadda were given the authority to finalize the alliance’s Vice Presidential nominee during a strategic meeting held on August 7 with key NDA partners. Since then, a flurry of internal consultations and backchannel negotiations have been underway, as the BJP-led NDA seeks to select a consensus candidate who reflects both political strategy and organizational strength.

 Countdown to Nomination: Key Dates Ahead

    According to the Election Commission schedule, the last date for filing nominations for the Vice Presidential election is August 21, with withdrawals permitted until August 25. If a contest arises, voting will take place on September 9, and counting will be conducted on the same day.

    The NDA, with a clear numerical advantage in Parliament, is in a strong position to ensure victory. The electoral college comprises 782 members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. Each Member of Parliament (MP) carries one vote of equal value. The NDA currently commands support from approximately 425 MPs, while the opposition INDIA alliance has over 300 MPs in its fold. Another 18 MPs from regional parties such as the BJD, YSR Congress, and BRS remain non-aligned. 

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation Triggers Early Election

    The upcoming election was necessitated by the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, citing health reasons. His resignation, nearly two years ahead of the scheduled end of his tenure in August 2027, caught the political establishment off guard.

    Dhankhar, a former Governor of West Bengal and an assertive voice in Parliament, had succeeded M. Venkaiah Naidu in 2022 after defeating Congress-backed candidate Margaret Alva. His abrupt exit has prompted the BJP to proceed with greater caution, aiming to avoid any political missteps in the selection of his successor.

BJP’s Selection Strategy: Surprise Element Possible

    While BJP has historically favored seasoned leaders for constitutional posts, it also has a track record of surprising selections. In 2017, BJP named M. Venkaiah Naidu, a cabinet minister at the time, as its Vice Presidential candidate. In 2022, Dhankhar, not widely speculated upon before the announcement, was chosen.

    As per insider sources, the names of current state governors and Lieutenant Governors (LGs) of Union Territories are being considered for the post. Among the front-runners are:

Ø Manoj Sinha, LG of Jammu and Kashmir

Ø VK Saxena, LG of Delhi

Ø Governors of Gujarat, Karnataka, Bihar, and Sikkim

    The BJP is expected to consider factors such as administrative experience, organizational loyalty, regional balance, and parliamentary conduct in its final decision. The aim is to field a leader who can efficiently preside over the Rajya Sabha and navigate complex parliamentary dynamics. 

Opposition INDIA Alliance in a Dilemma

    The opposition bloc, INDIA, is yet to finalize whether it will field a joint candidate. A senior Congress leader stated that discussions are ongoing and that a decision could be taken within the next two days. According to him, even if the chances of winning are slim, contesting the election would send a political message and demonstrate opposition unity.

    Historically, the opposition has consistently participated in Vice Presidential elections, often nominating experienced constitutional figures. In 2017, the opposition had fielded Gopal Krishna Gandhi, and in 2022, it was Margaret Alva, both of whom lost to BJP candidates.

    If INDIA decides to field a candidate this time, the stage will be set for a direct contest on September 9. Otherwise, the NDA nominee could be elected unopposed, a rare occurrence that has only happened four times in the 16 Vice Presidential elections held to date. 

Political Show of Strength Expected at Nomination

    Sources within the BJP indicate that the party is preparing to make a grand display of NDA unity during the filing of nomination papers. All Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states, as well as Union Ministers and top leaders of allied parties, are expected to be present during the event.

    Such a show of strength, party insiders believe, will not only bolster the morale of the NDA but also send a strong message to the opposition ahead of the crucial 2026 Lok Sabha elections.

    The NDA Parliamentary Party is scheduled to meet on August 19 at the Parliament Library Building, where final discussions and a formal announcement of the candidate are expected. BJP insiders emphasize that the party wants to ensure the chosen nominee is someone with experience, stature, and credibility — someone who can perform the crucial constitutional role without controversy.

BJP’s Parliamentary Muscle

    With 240 members in the Lok Sabha and 102 in the Rajya Sabha, the BJP alone enjoys a powerful position in the electoral college. When combined with its NDA partners, the alliance has a comfortable majority, virtually guaranteeing the victory of its nominee unless an internal rift or cross-voting takes place.

    The Congress, with 99 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 27 in the Rajya Sabha, has limited numerical strength and will rely on INDIA bloc unity for any significant challenge.

    As the political circles await the BJP’s announcement, all eyes are on the names under consideration — and whether the party, true to form, will choose an expected senior leader or deliver a surprise candidate with symbolic value and strategic importance.

    The upcoming Vice Presidential election, though less intense than a general election, carries significant political and constitutional implications. The Vice President, also the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, plays a crucial role in maintaining the decorum and legislative process in the Upper House. With ongoing disruptions in Parliament, the choice of candidate holds even greater significance.

    With the announcement expected tomorrow, attention now turns to the BJP Parliamentary Board and the corridors of power in New Delhi, where the next Vice President of India is likely being finalized as part of a carefully calculated political move.

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