Nitish Kumar in Vice President Race After Dhankhar’s Exit: Who Are the Top Contenders?
The sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has thrown open one of the most prestigious constitutional posts in India. Among the possible successors, Nitish Kumar — Bihar’s longest-serving Chief Minister — has surprisingly emerged as one of the leading names in the speculation game.
Dhankhar’s resignation on July 21, 2025, due to medical reasons, has created a significant power vacuum. According to the Indian Constitution, the election for Vice President must be conducted “as soon as possible” in case of a vacancy. While the official announcement from the Election Commission is awaited, political corridors are abuzz with possible names.
Nitish Kumar: A Surprising Yet Strategic Possibility
The name Nitish Kumar may not be the most obvious choice for Vice President, but political watchers are not ruling it out. At 73, Kumar remains a seasoned politician with deep administrative experience, and this could be the perfect “honourable exit” for a leader who has ruled Bihar for over two decades.
Is Nitish Kumar Ready to Step Down from Bihar?
Kumar’s future in Bihar politics has been a topic of discussion for a while. His allies in the NDA, including Upendra Kushwaha, have hinted that it might be time for him to step aside and pave the way for new leadership. Union Minister Chirag Paswan has also declared his intent to contest the next Bihar Assembly elections, strengthening the theory that political realignments are underway.
For Kumar, the Vice President’s post may offer a graceful transition from state to national politics — without the chaos of electoral battles.
Other Frontrunners for Vice President Post
While Nitish Kumar leads the speculation, two other significant names have emerged as potential contenders:
VK Saxena (67) – Lieutenant Governor of Delhi
VK Saxena, currently the LG of Delhi, is also being considered for a bigger constitutional role. Though he’s only been in his position for about three years, Saxena has played a crucial role in Delhi’s political administration. His tenure has been marked by frequent run-ins with the Aam Aadmi Party government, particularly in issues related to the Delhi Jal Board and bureaucratic appointments.
His assertiveness and administrative control over Delhi could position him as a tough and loyal candidate aligned with the central government’s priorities.
Manoj Sinha (66) – Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, is another strong contender. With his five-year term ending on August 6, 2025, the timing couldn’t be more ideal. A veteran BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh, Sinha served as Minister of State for Railways and Communications before taking up the LG role.
Supporters argue that his leadership post-Article 370 abrogation brought stability to the region. However, critics point to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that left 25 tourists and a pony handler dead as a blot on his record.
Why Nitish Kumar’s Name Is Gaining Traction
There are several reasons why Nitish Kumar may be the dark horse in the Vice President race:
Long Tenure as CM: Few Indian leaders have governed a state as long as he has.
Secular but NDA-Aligned: Though he has moved across alliances, he remains respected across party lines.
Age and Transition: At 73, this could be the ideal time for a transition to a less demanding role.
Strong Legal and Administrative Background: His governance model in Bihar, especially in the early 2000s, won national acclaim.
What the Constitution Says About Vice Presidential Vacancy
Per Article 66 of the Indian Constitution, the Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of Parliament. Once a resignation is accepted, the Election Commission of India is expected to conduct the election “as soon as possible.”
The new Vice President will also serve as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, making this position crucial for the functioning of the upper house.
Read more on Vice Presidential Elections on the Election Commission of India website
Political Dynamics Ahead of the Election
The choice of Vice President will reflect not only constitutional formality but also political strategy. With the Lok Sabha elections due in 2029, the ruling party may want a candidate who brings balance, administrative credibility, and national appeal — all of which Nitish Kumar offers.
At the same time, newer faces like Saxena and Sinha represent strong bureaucratic and security backgrounds, appealing to a different kind of nationalistic narrative.
What Next for Bihar if Nitish Moves On?
If Nitish Kumar accepts the Vice President’s role, it will leave a massive leadership vacuum in Bihar. The BJP may then push for a younger CM face, with speculation pointing toward Chirag Paswan, who recently signaled readiness to lead.
This would mark a generational shift in Bihar politics, bringing fresh strategies into the NDA fold and possibly altering the dynamics of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.