Amid Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, Nitish Kumar emerges as a top contender for Vice President. Here’s why he leads the race and what could stop him.
Why Nitish Kumar Is a Top Contender
- BJP-Endorsed (Bihar Voices)
- BJP leaders in Bihar, including Minister Prem Kumar, have openly welcomed Nitish as a potential pick: “I will be happy if someone from Bihar becomes the Vice President.”
- Another BJP MLA echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing a warm reception for Nitish The News Mill.
- Political Influence & Caste Balance
- As CM and a leader backed by the influential Kurmi-Koeri (‘Luv-Kush’) vote bank, Nitish brings substantial political weight in Bihar .
- His leadership of the Janata Dal (United) strengthens the NDA’s presence, adding to its strategic appeal.
- Tactical Alliance Moves
- Nitish’s history of switching alliances has both raised trust issues and made him a strategic asset, depending on the BJP’s priorities.
- Tejashwi Yadav explicitly called him “extra baggage” for the opposition, hinting at a tilt away from the India bloc.
⚖️ What Works For Him
- Backing from BJP state leaders signals favourable party dynamics The News Mill.
- His political experience, caste alliance influence, and tenure as CM offer a solid base to rally the NDA’s electoral college (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha).
🚧 What Works Against Him
- Credibility Concerns: Critics may point to his frequent political “side-shifts,” potentially eroding trust .
- Opposition Pushback: Opposition factions may resist his nomination, calling for fresh faces or raising allegations from past controversy.
🧩 Probabilities (Estimated)
Based on current political noise and NBSP/PTI coverage:
| Candidate | Est. Probability | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| High (>60%) | Nitish Kumar | Strong BJP/Bihar support, NDA calculus, caste appeal |
| Medium (30–60%) | Other NDA pick (e.g., a retired senior MP or BJP stalwart) | For balancing regional or internal party dynamics |
| Low (<30%) | Opposition candidate | Unlikely unless NDA opts for a consensus with INDIA bloc |
🔜 What to Watch Now
- BJP Central Leadership — Will PM Modi and Amit Shah officially endorse Nitish?
- Congress & INDIA Bloc — Will they nominate someone to mount a credible opposition?
- Formal Announcement Timeline — The Election Commission must set VP polls soon, likely clarifying candidacies and party lines.
✅ Bottom Line
While not guaranteed, Nitish Kumar currently ranks as the front-runner, especially if the NDA opts for a formula that combines political clout, caste arithmetic, and Bihar representation.
That said, his chances hinge on:
- Official BJP backing,
- How NDA allocates key positions,
- And broader parliamentary dynamics over the next few weeks.
Stay tuned as the Election Commission sets the electoral calendar.
