New Delhi, India – July 22, 2025 – The sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing health reasons, has sparked widespread speculation about who will succeed him as India’s next Vice President. Social media platforms and political circles are abuzz with names ranging from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, as well as other prominent figures such as Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The development comes at a critical juncture, with the Bihar Assembly elections looming later this year, adding a layer of political intrigue to the unfolding scenario.
Dhankhar’s resignation, announced on July 21, 2025, has left political observers and commentators questioning the underlying reasons. While the official statement points to health concerns, opposition leaders have raised doubts, suggesting possible connections to the upcoming electoral battles in Bihar. The vacancy in the Vice President’s office, a position that also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, has set off intense discussions about potential candidates.
Among the names circulating, Nitish Kumar, the seasoned leader of Janata Dal (United) and Bihar’s longest-serving Chief Minister, has emerged as a frontrunner in online discussions. Kumar’s extensive political career, marked by his strategic alliances and governance reforms, makes him a compelling candidate. His recent reaffirmation of loyalty to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and his pivotal role in Bihar’s politics have fueled speculation that his elevation to the Vice Presidency could be a strategic move by the NDA to consolidate its position ahead of the 2025 state elections. Social media posts have amplified this narrative, with some users suggesting Kumar’s appointment could stabilize the NDA’s regional influence.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, known for his articulate diplomacy and global outlook, is another name gaining traction. A senior journalist’s post, claiming that “two prominent NDA union ministers and Shashi Tharoor are possible contenders for V-P,” has added momentum to the speculation. Tharoor’s recent involvement in the Modi government’s outreach program, Operation Sindoor, has sparked discussions about his growing proximity to the ruling establishment, despite his affiliation with the opposition Congress party. This has led to conjecture that his candidacy could represent a rare bipartisan choice, though his differences with the Congress leadership remain a point of contention.
Other names, including Rajnath Singh and DK Shivakumar, have also surfaced, though with less prominence. Singh, a senior BJP leader with strong ties to both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, is seen as a potential NDA-backed candidate. Meanwhile, Shivakumar’s name, floated in some posts, appears more speculative, with sources labeling such claims as “kite flying.”
The timing of Dhankhar’s resignation has raised eyebrows, particularly given its proximity to the Bihar Assembly elections. Political analysts suggest the move could be linked to strategic realignments within the NDA, especially in Bihar, where Kumar’s leadership remains central to the alliance’s strategy. The opposition, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, has been quick to question the narrative, with some leaders alleging that Dhankhar’s exit may reflect deeper political maneuvers.
As the nation awaits an official announcement, the selection of the next Vice President is poised to have significant implications for India’s political landscape. The process, which involves an electoral college comprising members of both houses of Parliament, is expected to be closely watched, with the NDA’s numerical strength likely to play a decisive role. Whether the choice will be a unifying figure like Tharoor or a regional heavyweight like Kumar remains to be seen, but the speculation underscores the high stakes involved in this transition.
For now, the political rumor mill continues to churn, with social media platforms serving as a barometer of public and political sentiment. As one user succinctly put it, “The race for VP is heating up, and the names in the mix tell a story of power, strategy, and ambition.”
