With the Election Commission issuing a notification for the Vice Presidential elections, political speculation has intensified in Rajasthan. Recently resigned Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar hailed from the state’s farming community, raising expectations that the next nominee might also come from Rajasthan.
However, sources in the BJP central leadership and the Union government indicate that the NDA’s candidate is likely to be from the OBC or Muslim community, with the Jat or Yadav sub-groups under consideration. This strategy could help the BJP consolidate support across three states and large communities. Among the names being discussed are Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat. None of them have direct links to Rajasthan — Devvrat is from Haryana and belongs to the Jat community.
Rajasthan’s connection to the Vice Presidency and Presidency
Several high constitutional office holders have had ties to Rajasthan in the past:
- Shankar Dayal Sharma served as Vice President (1987-1992) and President (1992-1997); his wife was from Rajasthan.
- Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice President (2002-2007), was a three-time Chief Minister of Rajasthan and hailed from Jhunjhunu.
- Jagdeep Dhankhar served as Vice President (2022-2025) and was also from Jhunjhunu.
- Pratibha Patil, President (2007-2012), was married to Devisingh Shekhawat from Losal, Sikar district.
Three names in focus within BJP
Three prominent leaders from Rajasthan are reportedly being considered within BJP circles — former CM Vasundhara Raje, Rajya Sabha MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, and Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur.
- Vasundhara Raje’s meeting with PM Modi after Dhankhar’s resignation has fueled speculation.
- Ghanshyam Tiwari announced Dhankhar’s resignation in the Rajya Sabha and later met PM Modi.
- Om Prakash Mathur is considered close to PM Modi and is known for his loyalty to the BJP and RSS, making him a strong contender within the party.
