Race for the Rajya Sabha Chair: Who Will Be India’s Next VP After Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Exit?
With Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigning, speculation mounts over his successor. Discover top contenders, political strategies, and the election process in this in-depth analysis.
NewsSutra
With the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the political corridors of New Delhi are abuzz with one burning question: Who will be the next Vice President of India? Dhankhar’s sudden departure has not only shocked political observers but has also created a power vacuum in the Rajya Sabha, where the Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairman.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is now expected to announce the schedule for the Vice Presidential election, in accordance with Article 66 of the Constitution of India, which mandates the election of the Vice President through an electoral college composed of members of both Houses of Parliament.
As speculation mounts, we examine the key contenders, political strategies, and implications surrounding the succession of the nation’s second-highest constitutional office.
The Constitutional Path Ahead
The Vice President is elected through a secret ballot via a system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, involving Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs.
Given the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies’ strong presence in both houses, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is expected to play a decisive role in nominating and securing a favorable candidate.
However, opposition parties, emboldened by recent by-poll gains and increasing public sentiment against the ruling alliance, are unlikely to offer a walkover.
Key Contenders for the Vice President’s Office
1. Dr. Subramanian Swamy – Veteran Politician and Economist
A name that resurfaces in every major political reshuffle, Dr. Subramanian Swamy, a seasoned economist and Rajya Sabha member, is a potential frontrunner. His sharp intellect, administrative experience, and past alignment with the BJP ideology give him an edge. Despite his recent criticism of the party’s functioning, his constitutional expertise and vocal nationalism could make him an acceptable candidate to multiple factions within the NDA.
Relevant Read: Subramanian Swamy's Political Journey – The Hindu
2. Smriti Irani – Union Minister and Former TV Icon
Another name making rounds is Smriti Irani, the current Union Minister for Women and Child Development. A powerful orator and prominent BJP face, Irani’s nomination could signal a strategic move to balance gender representation in top constitutional offices, following Droupadi Murmu's appointment as President. Irani’s Lok Sabha roots and her combative political style make her a high-profile, yet polarizing, choice.
Background: Smriti Irani's Profile – Indian Express
3. Ghulam Nabi Azad – Former Congress Leader Turned Centrist
In a move that would underscore bipartisan unity, Ghulam Nabi Azad, the former Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, could emerge as a dark horse. After parting ways with the Congress and forming his own regional party, Azad is seen as a dignified statesman capable of maintaining neutrality in a politically divided upper house.
Opinion Feature: Why Ghulam Nabi Azad Still Matters – Times of India
4. Kiren Rijiju – Rising Star from the Northeast
The BJP may also consider promoting regional representation by nominating Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Earth Sciences and a prominent leader from Arunachal Pradesh. With his youth, legal background, and experience as a former Law Minister, Rijiju could bring a fresh perspective to the office.
Analysis: Kiren Rijiju’s Career Timeline – LiveMint
5. Sushil Kumar Modi – Senior BJP Strategist and Parliamentarian
Known for his long political tenure in Bihar and strong legislative acumen, Sushil Kumar Modi could be a consensus candidate within the NDA. As a former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and now a Rajya Sabha member, Modi is respected across party lines for his calm demeanor and legal insight.
Coverage: Sushil Modi’s Impact on BJP Strategy – Financial Express
What Does the Opposition Plan?
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), comprising parties like Congress, TMC, DMK, and AAP, is expected to propose a joint opposition candidate. Names like Sharad Pawar, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Meira Kumar are being floated within opposition ranks.
A senior Congress functionary, speaking anonymously, mentioned, “We are assessing candidates who can symbolically represent democratic values while having cross-party respect.”
Given the numbers stacked against them, the opposition may focus on using this election to consolidate public opinion and gain symbolic ground rather than expecting a win.
Political Implications of the Vice Presidential Race
1. Legislative Deadlock or Progress?
The next Vice President will play a crucial role in the Rajya Sabha, especially in terms of maintaining decorum and facilitating debates. With numerous critical bills pending — including reforms related to data protection, electoral funding, and national security — the role requires a neutral yet firm chair.
2. Signal for 2026 General Elections
The Vice Presidential pick could signal the BJP’s 2026 strategy — whether it chooses a firebrand youth leader, a respected veteran, or a minority representative. Similarly, the opposition’s nominee will offer insight into the INDIA bloc’s cohesion and direction.
3. Test of Political Negotiation
Even within the NDA, factions and state-specific interests may push for their own candidates. Balancing these demands while securing a smooth electoral process will test the BJP’s intra-party diplomacy.
Timeline for the Election
As per constitutional norms, the Election Commission is likely to announce the Vice Presidential poll date within 30 days of the vacancy. Voting typically happens within 2–3 weeks of the announcement, followed by results declared the same day.
In the interim, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, currently Harivansh Narayan Singh, will assume responsibility for parliamentary proceedings.
Historical Context: How Past VPs Were Chosen
India’s previous Vice Presidents, from Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to Venkaiah Naidu, were known for their erudition and political maturity. The office has often been a stepping stone to the Presidency, as seen in the cases of Radhakrishnan and Shankar Dayal Sharma.
The upcoming selection, therefore, carries symbolic and strategic weight far beyond the procedural role.
Media Coverage and Expert Opinions
Leading political analysts like Suhas Palshikar and Yogendra Yadav argue that the next Vice President must prioritize parliamentary integrity and bipartisan cooperation.
Think tanks such as Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and PRS Legislative Research have urged the government to consider institutional competence over political loyalty.
Featured Commentary: Vice Presidential Elections and Democratic Expectations – ORF India
Conclusion: A Moment of Political Recalibration
The Vice Presidential election, though often overshadowed by general elections or presidential polls, is a litmus test for Indian democracy. It reflects how seriously parties take the Constitution’s moral responsibility and their willingness to place institutional strength above partisan politics.
As names emerge and political equations shift, the country watches keenly. Whether it’s a seasoned statesman, a bold political choice, or a surprise consensus candidate, the successor to Jagdeep Dhankhar will step into a role that demands wisdom, restraint, and vision.
