Opposition Prepares for Vice President Election After Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation (Social media)
National News: Last month, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down from his position, citing health-related concerns. His resignation, announced on 21 July, surprised many in political circles and immediately set off discussions about his possible successor. While the government has not yet revealed its plan, the Opposition has begun working on its strategy well in advance.
The Opposition’s coalition, known as the INDIA Bloc, is preparing to hold an important meeting to decide on its nominee for the vice president post. Sources suggest the gathering will take place on 18 and 19 August.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has been tasked with speaking to leaders from all allied parties to reach an agreement on a single candidate. This step is seen as an effort to strengthen the bloc’s internal unity and present a common face against the ruling party.
Even before the official meeting, senior Congress leaders have been holding informal talks to prepare for the election. On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and KC Venugopal met to discuss potential candidates and election strategy. Party insiders believe that contesting the election with a joint candidate will help the alliance demonstrate its strength and commitment to standing together on national issues.
Kharge has already started reaching out to various opposition leaders to ensure there is no division in their ranks. The belief within the INDIA Bloc is that even if they do not have the numbers to win, participating in the contest will send a strong political message. By coming together behind one nominee, they hope to display solidarity and highlight their role as a united opposition.
Political analysts note that such unity could help the bloc in the long run, not only in Parliament but also in state and national elections. The vice president’s post, they say, holds symbolic value and is a chance for the Opposition to show that it can work together despite ideological differences.
The Election Commission has already declared the timetable for the vice president election. Voting is set for 9 September. Candidates must file their nomination papers by 21 August, with scrutiny scheduled for 22 August. Those wishing to withdraw their nominations will have until 25 August to do so.
Although the ruling party holds an advantage due to its numbers in Parliament, the vice president’s election is still politically significant. The Vice President also serves as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, playing an important role in managing debates and maintaining order in the Upper House.
For the INDIA Bloc, the upcoming vote is not just about the outcome—it’s about asserting relevance and resisting the ruling party’s dominance. By participating and uniting behind a common candidate, the Opposition hopes to boost morale within its ranks, keep public attention on key issues, and showcase that it remains a strong voice in the country’s democratic system.
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