BJP denies buzz, says party will name next Vice President

The Election Commission has initiated groundwork for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, following the unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. Amid rising speculation about possible contenders, top BJP sources have firmly denied rumours that JDU chief Nitish Kumar may be considered for the role. "The next Vice President will be a seasoned leader aligned with BJP’s ideology," a senior party leader told NDTV, dismissing speculation triggered by a recent meeting between Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur and BJP chief JP Nadda as routine.

The poll body, in its statement, said the election schedule would be announced soon. Preparations underway include finalising the Electoral College comprising Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, appointing Returning Officers, and compiling historical data from previous elections.

Opposition parties have yet to name a candidate, though historically, most Vice Presidential elections have been contested — only four of the 16 were unopposed. Meanwhile, Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation continues to stir political circles. Officially attributed to health concerns, sources suggest it stemmed from friction with the government, especially over his acceptance of an opposition-backed impeachment motion and his outspoken stance on farmers' issues. Some insiders claim a no-confidence motion was being considered if he hadn’t stepped down.

While some speculated the BJP might tap an ally like Nitish Kumar for broader electoral strategy in Bihar, party leaders have firmly ruled that out, insisting the nominee will come from within its core leadership.