EC initiates poll process amid speculation over successors including Nitish Kumar, Manoj Sinha, VK Saxena, and Harivansh Narayan Singh
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New Delhi, July 23 — Two days after Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down from the post of Vice President of India, the Election Commission (EC) has officially begun the process to elect his successor. The sudden resignation, which came with more than two years left in his five-year term, has triggered both political speculation and administrative urgency.
The Vice President’s official residence, located in the recently developed VP Enclave under the Central Vista project, will soon welcome a new occupant. While the reasons cited for Dhankhar’s resignation were related to health, his exit has raised eyebrows due to its abrupt timing — coming just hours after he presided over the opening day of the Parliament’s monsoon session.
EC Begins Pre-Poll Work
In a press note released on July 23, the Election Commission confirmed that it had received formal notification of Dhankhar’s resignation from the Union Home Ministry. According to rules, the process to elect the next Vice President must begin “as soon as possible.”
The EC stated that while the formal election schedule will be announced soon, preliminary steps are already underway. These include preparing the list of eligible voters — which comprises all members of both houses of Parliament — and appointing the returning officers who will oversee the election.
Importantly, although Dhankhar resigned before completing his term, his replacement will serve a full five-year tenure, not just the remaining portion.
The Role of the Vice President
The Vice President of India holds the second-highest constitutional position in the country after the President. The V-P also serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). With Dhankhar’s resignation, these responsibilities are currently being handled by Harivansh Narayan Singh, the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
Singh is considered one of the possible candidates for the post, especially given his parliamentary experience and current role in managing Rajya Sabha proceedings.
Who Will Be the Next Vice President?
As speculation grows, a few prominent names have emerged as potential candidates:
1. Nitish Kumar
Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, is among the top names being discussed. A seasoned politician who has served multiple terms as CM, Nitish, now 74, has recently taken a backseat in state politics. With Bihar assembly elections due later this year, political observers believe he may be ready to transition to a central role like the Vice Presidency. His move could also make way for a younger leadership within the Janata Dal (United).
However, his party has not made any official comment regarding his candidacy.
2. Manoj Sinha
Manoj Sinha, the current Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, is another strong contender. A former Union Minister and Member of Parliament, Sinha has been praised for his administrative skills and for handling sensitive governance issues in J&K during a challenging period.
His elevation to Vice President could be seen as a reward for his loyalty and efficient handling of duties in a politically sensitive region.
3. VK Saxena
VK Saxena, who serves as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, is also being considered. Though not a career politician, Saxena is seen as close to the central leadership and has had frequent run-ins with the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi. His administrative firmness and alignment with the Centre’s policies may work in his favour.
4. Harivansh Narayan Singh
The current Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and a senior JD(U) leader, Harivansh Singh is already acting as the Rajya Sabha Chairperson in Dhankhar’s absence. If chosen, it would be a natural progression for someone already well-versed in parliamentary procedures. His elevation would also maintain the NDA’s political balance, especially if Nitish Kumar is not considered.
Opposition Raises Questions Over Resignation
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation has sparked debate across party lines. The 73-year-old leader, a lawyer-turned-politician, previously served as the Governor of West Bengal before becoming Vice President in August 2022. His decision to quit so suddenly — without any prior indication — has led to political speculation.
While Dhankhar officially cited “health concerns,” some in the Opposition question the timing, pointing out that he had just conducted the first day of the monsoon session before resigning. There was no public statement hinting at any health issue earlier.
Opposition parties, particularly the Congress and TMC, have also recalled Dhankhar’s sometimes controversial tenure as Rajya Sabha Chairperson. He was often accused of favouring the ruling government during parliamentary debates, and at one point, even faced an informal impeachment motion threat from the Opposition bloc.
Modi’s Praise Amid Political Buzz
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, responding to the resignation, praised Dhankhar’s contribution and said he had “got many opportunities to serve the nation” during his tenure.
Dhankhar had maintained a close working relationship with the BJP-led government, often aligning with their positions during parliamentary debates and constitutional interpretations. His exit, however, remains shrouded in mystery, especially given his visible energy and enthusiasm until just before he resigned.
What Happens Next?
According to the Constitution, the Vice President is elected through a secret ballot by an electoral college consisting of members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The total strength of this college is over 780 members. The election is conducted using the single transferable vote (STV) system, ensuring proportional representation.
The EC has yet to announce the date for the poll but is expected to do so within the coming week. Once nominations open, political parties will officially propose their candidates. Given the BJP’s numerical strength in Parliament, a candidate backed by the NDA is expected to win — unless the Opposition is able to present a united front.
Political Significance
The upcoming Vice Presidential election comes at a time when Indian politics is heading into a busy phase — with upcoming state elections in Bihar, Maharashtra, and Haryana, and the national general elections just months away in 2026. The person selected as Vice President could have a key role in maintaining parliamentary balance, ensuring orderly debates, and serving as a neutral umpire in the Upper House — or not, depending on the political currents.
Whether the ruling alliance selects a loyalist like Manoj Sinha or VK Saxena, or whether it opts for a more experienced parliamentary hand like Harivansh Singh, remains to be seen. Alternatively, a big political name like Nitish Kumar could signal a larger reshuffle in the NDA's electoral strategy for 2026.
Conclusion
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden departure has not only left the Vice President’s seat vacant but has also opened up a new chapter of political calculations and intrigue. As the Election Commission gears up to announce the schedule, all eyes are now on the ruling coalition’s choice — and whether the Opposition will rally around a single name. Whoever steps into the Vice President’s chair will have significant responsibilities in the run-up to the next general elections.
