VP elections: NDA may announce candidate by August 12

New Delhi: The BJP-led NDA is expected to reveal its vice-presidential nominee between August 12 and 13, with final-level discussions reportedly already taking place with the Prime Minister.

According to party sources, a consensus candidate is likely to be settled on, at least in principle, by Tuesday. They suggested that the BJP’s pick would likely be an unexpected choice, focusing on someone who has remained non-controversial throughout their political career and has extensive experience in parliamentary affairs.

A BJP Rajya Sabha member noted that the nominee for the country’s second-highest constitutional post should have a strong grasp of parliamentary procedures and rules to effectively preside over the Rajya Sabha, indicating that the selection process is in its final stages, TNIE reported.

Names under consideration reportedly include current governors from states such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Sikkim, and Jammu & Kashmir, as well as former governors, including the ex-Governor of Goa. Some BJP leaders suggested that the Prime Minister might make an unexpected choice for the role.

A former woman BJP MP from the OBC community has also surfaced as a possible contender. However, a senior BJP source indicated that the position is more likely to go to a sitting or former governor—unless the party decides to select a woman candidate to showcase its commitment to women’s empowerment, similar to Droupadi Murmu’s elevation to the presidency.