Nitish Kumar as new Vice President? BJP clears the air amid speculation over NDA nominee

The buzz over Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's candidature gained ground after some Bihar BJP leaders backed the idea. (File: PTI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday set the record straight amid the buzz over the ruling NDA at the Centre considering Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the post of Vice President of India.

Dhankhar's shock exit on Monday evening set off speculation that with elections is several key states slated to be held over the next year, the BJP may consider offering the position to an alliance partner. Elections in Bihar are due to be held later this year while West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are among states scheduled to go to polls next year.

The buzz over Nitish Kumar's name gained traction after a meeting between JD(U) leader and Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur and BJP chief JP Nadda. Notably, some BJP leaders from Bihar had also backed Nitish for the post.

BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul and Bihar minister Neeraj Kumar Singh Bablu said it would be a matter of pride for Bihar if Nitish Kumar becomes the Vice-President. "Though it is not my hands, but if Nitishji becomes the Vice-President, it would be a matter of great pride for Bihar. He has a long administrative record. Bihar keliye saubhagya hi baat hogi," Thakur told the media.

BJP leader Bablu also said he would welcome the decision to appoint Nitish as the VIce President. "What is the problem if he becomes the Vice-President? It would be really good."

The speculation also gained ground since neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor Union Home Minister Amit Shah have announced Nitish Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate. They have, however, unequivocally declared that the NDA will contest the polls under Nitish's leadership.

Dispelling all misunderstandings, the BJP, however, made it clear that the next Vice President will be from the BJP and the party will nominate someone who is closely associated with its ideology.

A final decision with regard to whom the NDA fields as its nominee is expected after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his visit to UK and Maldives on July 26.

On Wednesday, the Election Commission of India said that it has initiated the process to hold the vice presidential elections and that the schedule for the same would be announced once it has reviewed all preparations. The EC has 60 days from Dhankhar's resignation to conclude polls.

The Opposition, which claims it is waiting to see how the government responds to the issue before devising its strategy, is yet to name a candidate.

The number, however, are clearly stacked in favour of the NDA which enjoys the support of 422 MPs in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha combined. The winning candidate requires the support of at 394 MPs to be elected Vice President.