Nitish Kumar among 3 probable frontrunners in vice president race after Dhankhar shocker

The election for vice president must be conducted ‘as soon as possible’ in case of vacancy. Several names are floating after Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation.

Updated on: Jul 23, 2025, 16:33:05 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation, citing health reasons, left the second-highest office in the country vacant.

Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday, July 21, 2025, sent his resignation as vice president to President Murmu and said he was stepping down with immediate effect, citing medical reasons. (@VPIndia)

According to the Constitution, the election to the post must be conducted ‘as soon as possible’. While the election hasn't been officially announced yet, many names have started floating around for the possible successor to Dhankhar.

Here are a few names, not ordered by degree of possibility, as to who could replace Jagdeep Dhankhar and become the next Vice President of India.

Possible names for Vice President of India

NITISH KUMAR, 74

Nitish Kumar may seem the most unlikely candidate, but the speculation refuses to die down. There have been many, including NDA allies like Upendra Kushwaha, who have suggested that Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar step down as CM to make way for the next generation. Supporting that theory is the fact that Union minister Chirag Paswan has announced that he will fight the Bihar election. Could the VP role be the honourable exit for the longest-serving CM?

VK SAXENA, 67

While the Delhi lieutenant governor has only been in his job for three years, there has been talk for some time now about him moving out for a "bigger assignment." VK Saxena, a former corporate man, played a major role in Delhi politics by apparently blocking administrative moves by the AAP government. From appointments to policies about the Delhi Jal Board, Saxena became a stumbling block for chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. This was eventually seen as one of the factors that cost Kejriwal in the perception battle.

MANOJ SINHA, 66

The lieutenant governor (LG) of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha is finishing his five-year tenure on August 6, which makes it perfect timing to take on the next-level job of being Vice President. A former junior minister of railways and an old BJP hand from Uttar Pradesh, Sinha contributed a degree of stability post the abrogation of Article 370, his supporters say. However, his J&K tenure is ending with Sinha having to take responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack where 25 tourists and a pony operator were killed.

(With inputs from HT correspondent)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.