Nitish Kumar Not in VP Race, BJP Clears Air on Nominee
BJP Denies Speculation on Nitish Kumar as Vice President Nominee
The speculation around Nitish Kumar becoming India’s next Vice President was laid to rest on Wednesday after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a clear statement. Amid growing buzz in political circles, the BJP confirmed that the ruling NDA’s Vice Presidential candidate will be from within the party and will align with its ideological roots.
Earlier this week, Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation from the Vice President’s post triggered strong rumours that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar might be offered the position. With elections approaching in Bihar and other key states, many believed the BJP might use the opportunity to offer the post to an ally within the NDA.
What Sparked the Speculation Around Nitish Kumar?
The rumour mill kicked into high gear after a meeting between JD(U) leader and Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur and BJP national president JP Nadda. This was further fuelled by statements from senior BJP leaders in Bihar who publicly supported the idea.
BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul stated, “If Nitishji becomes the Vice-President, it would be a matter of great pride for Bihar. He has a long administrative record.”
Another BJP minister, Neeraj Kumar Singh Bablu, said there was no issue in Nitish Kumar taking the role. “It would be really good,” he remarked.
Moreover, the absence of a formal announcement naming Nitish Kumar as the NDA’s chief ministerial candidate also added weight to the rumours. Though PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that the NDA would contest the Bihar elections under Nitish’s leadership, the lack of clarity sparked confusion.
BJP’s Official Stand: Candidate Will Be from the Party
However, the BJP firmly dismissed all speculation. Party insiders revealed that the Vice President nominee will be a core BJP member, and the selection will align with the party’s ideological vision.
A senior party leader stated that the candidate would be someone “closely associated with the BJP’s values and vision.” The decision will be finalized after PM Modi returns from his official visit to the UK and Maldives on July 26.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) also confirmed on Wednesday that the process to conduct the Vice Presidential election has begun. The Commission will announce the schedule once all logistical arrangements are reviewed. As per constitutional provisions, the polls must conclude within 60 days of Dhankhar’s resignation.
Opposition Strategy Unclear, But Numbers Favor NDA
While the Opposition has not yet named its candidate, they are reportedly waiting to see whom the NDA nominates before finalizing their strategy. However, the arithmetic clearly favors the ruling alliance.
The NDA commands the support of 422 MPs across both houses of Parliament. A candidate needs 394 votes to be elected as Vice President, ensuring the NDA holds a clear advantage in the electoral college.
This makes it almost certain that the next Vice President will be from the BJP, unless unexpected political shifts occur in the coming days.
Conclusion: Nitish Kumar to Remain Bihar CM, Not VP Candidate
Despite public statements and media reports, the BJP has now put an end to speculation. Nitish Kumar will continue to lead Bihar, and the NDA will fight the upcoming state election under his leadership.
The Vice President nominee, as clarified by party sources, will be a senior BJP leader aligned with its ideology. The final announcement is expected soon after July 26.
With this clarification, the political focus now returns to Bihar’s upcoming polls, where Nitish Kumar’s leadership and the NDA’s unity will be tested once again.