Following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation, political activity regarding the Vice President's post has intensified in the country. The Election Commission has also issued the notification for the Vice Presidential election, triggering a wave of speculation about potential candidates.
New Delhi: Discussions are heating up in political circles regarding the next Vice President of India. Following the resignation of the incumbent Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Election Commission has initiated the process for the Vice Presidential election. Amidst this, a new name is rapidly gaining traction—Ram Nath Thakur, a senior leader from Bihar and son of former Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur.
The recent meeting between BJP National President JP Nadda and Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur has further fueled these speculations. Although the BJP has not yet officially announced the NDA's candidate for the Vice President's post, political observers believe that Ram Nath Thakur is currently a frontrunner in the race.
Who is Ram Nath Thakur?
Ram Nath Thakur is considered a leader with a clean and balanced image in Indian politics. He is a senior leader of the Janata Dal United (JDU) and currently serves as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in the central government. He is also currently a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Ram Nath Thakur's political life began in 2005 in the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government when he was made the Minister of Sugarcane Development. From 2005 to 2010, he served as a Cabinet Minister in the Bihar government.
His most significant association is with his father, Karpoori Thakur's ideology based on social justice. Karpoori Thakur was recently posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, which has further strengthened Ram Nath Thakur's political standing.
Why is he a b contender for the Vice President's post?
Ram Nath Thakur's name is being considered suitable for the Vice President's post for several reasons:
- Social Justice Background: He comes from the Extremely Backward Class (EBC), which is a significant social group in Bihar and other parts of the country.
- Political Balance: By selecting Ram Nath Thakur, the NDA, especially the BJP, could try to align with the JDU in Bihar. With the Bihar Assembly elections potentially scheduled for later this year, this move could be politically beneficial.
- Clean Image: His public life has been free from any controversy so far, making it difficult for the opposition to challenge him.
What is the significance of the meeting with JP Nadda?
The meeting between Ram Nath Thakur and JP Nadda in Delhi has generated considerable discussion in political circles. Some sources claim that this meeting was regarding the voter list revision process in Bihar, but considering the timing and context, it is being seen as part of a political strategy. Experts believe that through this meeting, the NDA wants to signal that it is forming its future strategy while understanding the social and political equations of Bihar.
