Following the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the race to find his successor is heating up, with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) reportedly considering a candidate from the backward communities.
As per the recent reports, Election Commission of India has begun the process for holding the election for the next Vice President.
According to Indian express, among the frontrunners is Ram Nath Thakur, the current Minister of State for Agriculture. He is the son of former Bihar Chief Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient, Karpoori Thakur.
Belonging to the Nai (barber) community, which is classified as an Extremely Backward Class, his selection would be a significant political move, especially with important state elections on the horizon.
Another prominent name being discussed is BJP President J.P. Nadda. Accoriding to Indian Express, if Nadda is chosen, a cabinet reshuffle might take place before the official announcement. Other potential contenders include former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh.
While there was brief speculation about Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his party's leaders have largely dismissed the idea, reported PTI
The NDA, with 422 MPs in both houses of Parliament, is in a strong position to secure the 394 votes needed to elect the next Vice President. Government sources have indicated a preference for a consensus candidate, with a final decision likely to be made after July 26.
Dhankhar Steps Down
PTI reported that the search for a new Vice President was triggered by Jagdeep Dhankhar's surprise resignation on Monday, just two years into his five-year term. In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, the 74-year-old cited health reasons for his departure.
The President has accepted the resignation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Mr. Dhankhar for his service to the nation. However, the timing of his exit, on the first day of Parliament's Monsoon session, has led to speculation, with the opposition Congress party suggesting there might be more to the story.
How the Next Vice President is Elected
According to Clause 2 of Article 68 of the Constitution, an election to fill a vacancy in the office of the vice president occurring due to his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise will be held "as soon as possible" after it becomes vacant.
The Election Commission of India will oversee the election. The Vice President is chosen by an electoral college consisting of all members of the Lok Sabha (543) and Rajya Sabha (245).
The election uses a secret ballot and a system of proportional representation through a single transferable vote. Each MP's vote has the same value, and political parties cannot force their members to vote for a particular candidate.
Who is Eligible?
To become Vice President, a candidate must be:
An Indian citizen.
At least 35 years old.
Qualified to be a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Not holding any paid government position.
Each nomination requires the support of at least 20 MPs as proposers and another 20 as seconders.
What Happens in the Meantime?
The Vice President is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In the absence of a Vice President, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, is presiding over the Upper House.
The Constitution does not specify who performs the other duties of the Vice President when the office is vacant.
