Bihar BJP leaders back Nitish Kumar as next Vice-President after Dhankhar's shock exit

Nitish, who is seeking a fresh term as the CM in the 2025 Bihar elections, is backed by BJP leaders from the poll-bound state.

"What could be better than Nitish Kumar being made Vice President? Whether Nitish Kumar becomes the Vice President or not, everyone wants it," said BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachoul as quoted by CNN News 18.

Bihar minister and BJP leader Neeraj Kumar Singh Bablu said as quoted by the channel, "It is a good thing. If he becomes, then what is the problem with this?"

The speculation started as some analysts felt BJP, which is in an alliance with Nitish's Janata Dal (United) in Bihar, is likely to have its own Chief Minister in the state this time.

Nitish will be promoted to the second highest post of the country as per the speculations.

After attending the inaugural day of the monsoon session of Parliament, Dhankhar on Monday night announced his resignation citing "medical advice" and said he would "prioritise" his health.

In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, he said his resignation will be effective immediately.

"To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance wills Article 67(a) of the constitution," his letter read.

In the letter, he thanked the President "for her unwavering support and the soothing wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure".

"I express my deep gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the esteemed Council of Ministers. Prime Minister's cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office," the letter read.

Though opposition leaders have expressed concern over Dhankhar's health, many have also refused to buy the 'heath' reason wholeheartedly.

As per media reports, two senior union ministers snubbing Dhankhar's scheduled meeting on Monday evening prompted the 74-year-old to step down.

A politician and lawyer, Dhankar took over as the Vice President of India on August 11, 2022.

Prior to his role as the VP, he served as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022.

He also served as a Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the Chandra Shekhar ministry from 1990 to 1991, and served as a member of Lok Sabha from 1989 to 1991.

Between 1993 and 1998, Dhankar was a Member of Rajasthan's Legislative Assembly. He has been affiliated with multiple political parties in India, including the BJP, Congress, and the Janata Dal (JD).