Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, July 22, 2025, Kolkata : In an unexpected turn of events, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons, just as the winter session of Parliament began. In his resignation letter, Dhankhar expressed the need to “prioritize health and follow medical advice,” leading to his decision to step down from his post.
Following the announcement, President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation, and as per the state protocol, Harivansh Narayan Singh has been appointed as the acting Vice President of the Reserve Bank of India until early elections are held to elect a new Vice President.
The sudden resignation has raised many eyebrows, particularly as Dhankhar himself had stated only 12 days earlier that he intended to continue in the role until 2027, “barring divine intervention.” His abrupt mid-term departure has left the public and political circles shocked, prompting speculation about potential political strategies and the timing of the move.
Political Ripples and Speculations
In the hours following Dhankhar’s resignation, discussions on social media have heated up. Particularly, there is growing buzz around Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as a possible contender for the post of Vice President. The speculation has taken root on various platforms, with reports circulating that Kumar’s name is being considered as part of a broader political strategy, especially within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
A tweet by Free Press Journal reported, “Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will become the next Vice President of India…” This was followed by further analysis suggesting that Nitish Kumar’s candidacy aligns with the NDA’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its support base, especially among OBC (Other Backward Classes) and EBC (Extremely Backward Classes) voters, both in Bihar and at the national level.
Political analysts argue that Nitish Kumar’s long-standing leadership in Bihar, his unique vote bank, and his administrative experience make him an ideal candidate to strengthen the NDA’s position in key constituencies. This move is also being referred to as part of the NDA’s “Operation Bihar,” which could strategically position the party to capture a wider voter base in the upcoming state elections, while bolstering its national appeal.
The “Operation Bihar” Strategy
With elections for the Vice President scheduled within the next 60 days, likely by October, Nitish Kumar’s potential candidacy has fueled speculations about an NDA-driven realignment. If Kumar indeed becomes the Vice President, political observers believe that his extensive influence over Bihar’s voter base could significantly shift the NDA’s fortunes in both state and national politics.
Though Nitish Kumar’s name is gaining momentum in the media, the NDA has not yet made any official announcement regarding the Vice President’s nomination. This has left room for various interpretations and theories, especially as political analysts debate the potential impact of such a decision on Bihar’s future.
Congress-RJD’s Response
Meanwhile, opposition parties, including Congress and RJD, have raised concerns over the BJP’s motivations behind Dhankhar’s sudden resignation. They claim that the BJP’s move to elevate Nitish Kumar to the Vice President’s role is part of a broader plan to keep the central influence intact in Bihar, especially as the state gears up for its next election cycle.
A senior Congress-RJD leader commented, “BJP’s strategy seems clear—to remove Nitish from the Centre and place him as the Vice President, thereby ensuring that they maintain control over Bihar’s political landscape.” The opposition parties are thus questioning the BJP’s intentions, suggesting that this could be a tactical move to diminish Nitish’s influence in the state while securing a stronger foothold at the national level.
Looking Ahead
As the 60-day window to elect a new Vice President nears, all eyes are on the NDA’s next steps. While the party has yet to confirm any plans, the combination of Dhankhar’s sudden resignation, rising speculation about Nitish Kumar’s future, and the ongoing debate about the NDA’s political calculations make this a pivotal moment in Indian politics.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Nitish Kumar’s political career will take a new turn toward national prominence or if the NDA will settle on a different candidate. Whatever the outcome, these developments are sure to have a lasting impact on the trajectory of Indian politics in the lead-up to the next election cycle