Will it be NDA vs UPA vs the Unexpected: A Three-Way VP Showdown? Or Continue with Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha...........as next VP?
Will it be
NDA vs UPA vs the Unexpected: A Three-Way VP Showdown?
(Click above For A comical exit of VP Shri Jagdeep Dhankar)
With Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation triggering an unexpected mid-term vacancy, India finds herself preparing for a vice presidential election that may prove more consequential than it first appears. As the race unfolds, a three-cornered contest is emerging—pitting the ruling NDA, the opposition bloc led by Congress, and a possible independent challenger in what could become a defining moment for India's parliamentary landscape.
BJP’s Likely Bet: A Cabinet Minister Turned Constitutional Guardian?
The BJP, bolstered by a strong majority in Parliament, is expected to nominate a high-profile leader. Among the names surfacing is Union Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman and Defence minister Shri Rajnath Singh. Their potential candidacy would not only underscore the party’s commitment to promoting seasoned leadership but also signal a strategic shift—relocating key ministers to constitutional roles ahead of the 2029 general elections.
Ms. Sitharaman, if chosen, would bring financial and administrative acumen to the Vice Presidency, while symbolically reinforcing the party’s gender-inclusive narrative.
Congress Plays a Familiar Card: Will Ms. Margaret Alva Run For VP?
On the opposition front, if Congress is considering a repeat nomination of Ms. Margaret Alva, their 2022 candidate. this time as VP. She is a seasoned legislator and advocate for parliamentary integrity and can be a notable aide to our President Ms Murmu. Ms. Alva represents continuity, experience, and a unifying figure across opposition ranks.
While the Congress-led bloc lacks numerical strength to secure a win on its own, a strong second-preference campaign, coupled with possible dissent within the NDA ranks, could make the contest closer than anticipated. Further this will strengthen our Nation's Unity preserving the diversity
The Independent Wild Card: Could Ms. Murthy Enter the Fray?
In a development that adds intrigue, will names like Ms. Sudha Murthy, noted philanthropist and tech educator, can be considered as potential independent nominees. Though unconfirmed, her stature outside the political establishment and wide public respect make her a compelling non-partisan choice.
If fielded, a Murthy candidacy would symbolize a break from traditional political maneuvering—offering MPs an opportunity to back a civilian figure with moral authority, free from party whips.
The Numbers and the Nuance
The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting only of Members of Parliament. The process uses proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote, making second preferences crucial in multi-cornered contests.
The BJP-led NDA has the numbers, but in a preferential system, politics doesn’t always align with arithmetic. Cross-voting, silent protest, or strategic second choices can all influence the final outcome.
Why This Election Matters
Though often overshadowed by the presidential race, the Vice Presidency holds substantial sway. The VP serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, responsible for ensuring order, facilitating legislative debate, and balancing competing political interests.
In a polarized and fast-shifting Parliament, the next Vice President will have the responsibility—and opportunity—to be a conscience-keeper and constitutional stabilizer.
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