PM MODI THE NDA parties on Thursday authorised PM Modi and BJP president and Leader of Rajya Sabha J P Nadda to choose the ruling bloc’s vice-presidential candidate, even as the Election Commission kick-started the nomination process for the poll by issuing a notification.
“NDA parties will support whatever decision is taken under the leadership of PM Modi,” said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju after a meeting of the NDA parties in Parliament House building.
The NDA candidate’s election to the constitutional position is a foregone conclusion as the alliance enjoys a comfortable majority in the Electoral College, which comprises members of the two Houses.According to Rijiju, no discussion was held on the possible choices for the post.
The last day for filing nominations is August 21, and withdrawals are allowed until August 25. The election will be held on September 9 in case the Opposition fields a rival candidate. The election was necessitated following the sudden resignation of then Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21. His term was to end in August 2027.
Sources said the BJP wants the NDA MPs to be present when its candidate files nomination. Asked if the ruling alliance will reach out to the Opposition to evolve a consensus on the next vice-president, Rijiju said: “There are certain conventions. If Opposition parties come and discuss with us, we will always discuss with them. But this is a constitutional process which we have to do.”
Sources said a consensus candidate is unlikely as the Opposition parties are trying to put up a united face against the NDA’s nominee.
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Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, who chaired the meeting, Amit Shah besides Nadda and Rijiju from the BJP, JD(U)’s Lalan Singh, Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, TDP’s Ram Mohan Naidu and Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Chirag Paswan were among the leaders who attended the meeting. Apna Dal (soneylal) leader Anupriya Patel and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party’s Upendra Kushwaha and leaders from AIADMK were also present.
Against the maximum strength of 788, the effective strength of the two Houses is 781 as one seat is vacant in Lok Sabha and six in Rajya Sabha, including one caused by the death of former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren. The NDA’s strength is 422, which is 31 more than the majority mark of 391.
As India gears up for another significant constitutional election, all eyes are on the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as it prepares to announce its candidate for the post of Vice President. The election, scheduled for September 9, will be the next major political event following the 2024 general elections, and is expected to further consolidate power dynamics in the central government.
PM Modi and BJP National President JP Nadda are reportedly leading the consultations within the NDA to finalize the alliance’s candidate. The decision is crucial, not only from a constitutional standpoint but also for political signaling, as the Vice President also serves as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, a position critical for managing the upper house, especially when legislative challenges arise.
Context and Importance of the Vice Presidential Election
India’s Vice President is elected for a term of five years by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament. Unlike the President, who is elected by both Parliament and state legislatures, the Vice President’s election is a more centralized affair, focused within the central legislature. This gives the ruling party at the Centre, especially if it enjoys a majority in the Lok Sabha and has significant numbers in the Rajya Sabha, an edge in determining the outcome.
The current Vice President’s term is set to end shortly, and the process to elect the next one has formally begun. The Election Commission of India announced September 9, 2025, as the date for polling, with the nomination process expected to close by the third week of August.
NDA’s Position and Strategy
With the BJP-led NDA enjoying a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha and holding substantial numbers in the Rajya Sabha—especially with the support of allies like JD(U), TDP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and others—the ruling coalition is well-positioned to push through its nominee with relative ease.
Sources suggest that the BJP is looking for a candidate who reflects both political acumen and inclusivity—possibly someone from a marginalized community or a distinguished public figure with legislative or administrative experience. The party has, in the past, strategically nominated candidates from tribal, Dalit, or minority backgrounds to showcase social outreach and diversity.
It is also believed that PM Modi and Nadda are personally reviewing a shortlist of names, in consultation with senior members of the NDA alliance. Names of senior BJP leaders, retired governors, and technocrats are doing the rounds in political circles. However, the leadership is maintaining strict confidentiality ahead of an official announcement, which is expected in the coming days.
Opposition Plans and Possibilities
Meanwhile, the Opposition bloc, led by the Congress and supported by the INDIA alliance parties, is also considering fielding a joint candidate. However, given the NDA’s numerical advantage, the opposition’s strategy may focus more on symbolism and messaging than on winning the seat. Still, a united Opposition front could use this election as a platform to show cohesion ahead of future state and national polls.
What’s Next?
The Vice Presidential election may not generate the same public interest as a general election, but it holds significant constitutional importance. The role requires balancing partisanship with parliamentary neutrality, especially while presiding over the Rajya Sabha. As such, the NDA’s choice will signal the kind of legislative leadership it intends to promote over the next few years.
With PM Modi and JP Nadda at the helm of the selection process, a strategic, calculated decision is expected—one that will align with the BJP’s larger national narrative while securing smooth functioning of Parliament.
All eyes now turn to the NDA headquarters as the political world awaits the announcement of who could become India’s next Vice President.