NEW DELHI: The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), at its meeting held on Thursday, unanimously authorised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the incumbent BJP national president, JP Nadda, to finalise a suitable candidate for the Vice-Presidential post, for which the election schedule has already been announced. Thursday marked the first day for filing nominations for this post.
The NDA meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Parliament complex, made this decision, placing complete trust in Prime Minister Modi’s judgement for this second-highest constitutional position in the country. The vacancy was necessitated following the recent resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. The Election Commission of India has already initiated the electoral process for the election of the Vice-President through the electoral college comprising members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, while sharing the NDA’s decision with the media from his Parliament chamber, stated: "The NDA allies have decided to go with the PM Modi and BJP chief JP Nadda's joint pick up for the Vice President. This decision of NDA at today meeting was unanimous."
The NDA meeting was attended by TDP parliamentary leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu,Rajiv Ranjan Singh of JDU, Chirag Paswan of LJP(VP) ,Shri Kant Shinde of Shivsena and BJP leaders Amit Shah,Kiren Rijiju,and others.
Meanwhile, sources within the NDA hinted that the BJP, as the key partner at the Centre, has begun shortlisting potential candidates. These names will be placed before PM Modi by the BJP president for deliberation and a final decision soon.
Sources further indicated that the possibility of a serving or former Governor, or a senior and experienced BJP leader—particularly someone associated with the Sangh and the party organisation, and having a neutral and non-controversial image—is likely to be considered. The BJP-led NDA aims to select the most appropriate candidate for this constitutional role.
It is also expected, according to sources, that the BJP may announce the NDA’s Vice-Presidential candidate publicly at a joint media briefing between 18 and 20 August—just ahead of the final nomination date of 21 August.
The NDA has also decided that Prime Minister Modi and other senior leaders will accompany the Vice-Presidential candidate during the filing of nomination papers, presenting a united front, even though the NDA commands a complete electoral majority for this election.
According to sources, NDA leaders will convene again on the evening of September 8- a day before the polling for the Vice-Presidential election scheduled for September 9.
There is growing speculation that the BJP may spring a surprise in selecting a consensus Vice-Presidential candidate, aiming to send a strong message to the public ahead of upcoming state elections in Bihar, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. This move may be well crafted to align with PM Modi’s political ideology, which places emphasis on the empowerment of women, the downtrodden, OBCs, and other marginalised groups.
“Our PM considers every factor while taking any big decision with the consultation and consent from within the alliance,” remarked a senior BJP leader, hinting that the Vice-Presidential candidate will likely be chosen considering factors such as age, education, neutrality, organisational experience, impartiality, association with the Sangh, and prior representation in the Rajya Sabha during their political career.
The election for the Vice-President is likely to be a bit challenging, as the INDIA Bloc again, led by Congress, is reportedly considering putting its candidate against the NDA candidate, the most likely belonging either to a minority or OBC or SC group.
As per the existing strength, the effective strength of both Houses—the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, if put together—stands at 786, and the winning candidate will have to secure just 394 votes. In the Lok Sabha, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA has the electoral support of 293 of the 542 members and the support of 129 members in the Rajya Sabha, assuming that the nominated members vote in support of the NDA nominee, which has an effective strength of 240.