BJP Parliamentary Board will meet Sunday to finalise the NDA’s Vice-Presidential candidate ahead of the September 9 election, following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation.
New Delhi, August 15, 2025 –– The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) highest decision-making body, the Parliamentary Board, is set to meet this Sunday to decide who will represent the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming Vice-Presidential election.
The meeting comes at a critical moment for the party, following the unexpected resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar last month due to health reasons. With the Election Commission having announced September 9, 2025 as the polling date, the BJP is moving quickly to finalise its candidate.
NDA Leadership in the Driver’s Seat
Earlier this month, NDA partners agreed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President J.P. Nadda would have the final say in selecting the nominee. This Sunday’s Parliamentary Board gathering is expected to ratify that choice, clearing the way for the official announcement before the August 21 nomination opening.
Party insiders suggest the meeting will also address strategy for ensuring a smooth election, as the NDA holds a comfortable majority in the electoral college.
Likely Names in Circulation
Although the BJP has kept its cards close to the chest, political circles have been abuzz with speculation. Potential contenders discussed informally include senior BJP leaders, current and former governors, as well as prominent allies within the NDA fold. However, no frontrunner has been confirmed, and the final decision is likely to reflect both political balance and long-term strategy.
Alliance Unity
Adding to the NDA’s strength, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has already pledged his party’s full support for the eventual nominee. His statement, following meetings with senior BJP leaders in Delhi, has been seen as a show of alliance solidarity ahead of the vote.
Why This Election Stands Out
This is the first mid-term Vice-Presidential election in nearly four decades, triggered by an early vacancy in one of the country’s highest constitutional offices. The role of Vice-President is not only ceremonial but also crucial, as it includes presiding over the Rajya Sabha and stepping in as acting President if required.
For the BJP, the choice of candidate will send a clear signal about the party’s priorities, alliances, and political messaging as it heads into the latter half of its current term.