Vice Presidential Election Buzz Intensifies After Jagdeep Dhankhar's Resignation. I.N.D.I.A Alliance Prepares to Field Joint Candidate. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Actively Seeking Consensus Among Opposition Parties.
New Delhi: Political activity regarding the Vice Presidential election has intensified in the country. Following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation, both the ruling party and the opposition have begun searching for new candidates. Meanwhile, the I.N.D.I.A alliance has also started preparing to field its joint candidate to challenge the BJP.
Kharge's Active Role
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is consistently in contact with opposition parties to build consensus. According to sources, he has spoken with several prominent leaders to ensure the alliance agrees on a name acceptable to all parties. Kharge believes that this election is not just for the post but also an opportunity to send a political message.
Message Important, Regardless of Outcome
Sources say there is a clear opinion within the I.N.D.I.A alliance that they should contest this election, regardless of the outcome. The aim is to demonstrate unity against the BJP and signal the alliance's strength to the public. Alliance leaders believe that the opposition's activity will also create momentum for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Jagdeep Dhankhar's Resignation and New Process
Jagdeep Dhankhar, the former Vice President, suddenly resigned on July 21, citing health reasons. However, speculation about other reasons behind his resignation continues in political circles.
The Election Commission has issued a notification to hold the Vice Presidential election on September 9. The last date for filing nominations is set for August 21. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on August 22, and names can be withdrawn until August 25. Voting and counting will then take place on September 9.
Discussions Regarding Candidates Intensify
So far, the I.N.D.I.A alliance has not officially announced a name, but discussions on several names are ongoing internally. Sources indicate that some parties want to finalize their name only after the BJP announces its candidate, to strategically strengthen the competition.
On the other hand, one faction believes that delaying could weaken the message and the opposition should announce its candidate earlier. Kharge is trying to strike a balance between all parties on this issue.
Opposition Unity from Bihar to Delhi
This entire episode is unfolding at a time when the coordination among the constituent parties of the I.N.D.I.A alliance has improved. Recently, the top leaders of the alliance pledged to jointly fight against the Special Intensive Revision of the voter list and alleged electoral malpractices in Bihar.
Important Meeting at Rahul Gandhi's Residence
Demonstrating the alliance's unity, a dinner meeting of opposition leaders was held at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence. In this meeting, along with the issue of the voter list in Bihar, a decision was taken to fight unitedly against the alleged "vote theft model" of the BJP and the Election Commission. This meeting was the first meeting of top leaders of opposition parties after the Lok Sabha elections 2024.
