Choice of govt’s V-P nominee likely after PM’s return from tour, NDA allies in with a chance

Top BJP sources said the government’s candidate – who is expected to be elected given the BJP-led NDA’s numbers in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha – will be “someone with total loyalty”.

A senior BJP leader said: “Although a final decision in this regard will be taken by the senior leadership of the party, discussions around who will replace Dhankhar have centred on him or her being a longstanding member of the NDA.”

The leader added: “There is certainly a possibility of a member from one of the key constituents of the NDA – especially the TDP or JD(U) being chosen.” Such a move would strengthen the ties between the BJP and its allies.

A source added pointedly that the vice-presidential election comes at a time when “a significant reshuffle” is expected in the Union Cabinet, apart from gubernatorial postings and internal polls for the BJP’s next national president.

According to party insiders, BJP MPs who are heading towards the end of their Rajya Sabha tenures and Ministers of State, apart from party leaders, are likely to be part of these reshuffles.

Sources added that while events on Monday in the Rajya Sabha as Dhankhar chaired the House, reportedly related to the Opposition motion against Justice Yashwant Varma, were the immediate trigger, Dhankhar’s resignation was “in the offing for some time”.

A senior BJP leader said there were several reasons for this, including, “but not limited to”, his health.

A BJP MP who called on Dhankhar on the eve of the start of the Monsoon Session said: “There are certainly several reasons at play, but his health is definitely a reason for his decision (to resign).”