Governors, Cabinet Stalwarts, Ex-CMs & RSS-Aligned Intellectuals: Decoding BJP's V-P Shortlist
With NDA holding a majority in the electoral college, BJP's pick is likely to be about shaping narrative through regional outreach, ideological clarity, or statesmanlike symbolism
From Governors of opposition- or alliance-ruled states to heavyweight cabinet ministers, from former chief ministers to senior RSS-aligned intellectuals or functionaries—the BJP's shortlist for the next Vice-President of India is likely to showcase its wide strategic bench. Each category signals a different political calculation, which includes the party's political outreach, ideological assertion, parliamentary expertise, or generational transition.
Among Governors, names like Tamil Nadu's RN Ravi, Thawar Chand Gehlot of Karnataka and Bihar's Arif Mohammad Khan stand out, News18 has learnt.
Ravi has repeatedly made headlines for his confrontational stance with the DMK-led state government, embodying the BJP's assertive federal posture. Ravi served in the CBI and Intelligence Bureau and was also the deputy NSA. Post his retirement, he served his terms as Governor of Nagaland and Meghalaya along with his stint as an interlocutor for the talks between the government and the NSCN(IM).
Khan, on the other hand, offers the party a unique blend of Muslim representation and reformist ideology, especially on matters like Triple Talaq and the Uniform Civil Code. Both bring ideological clarity with constitutional legitimacy.
Former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, defence minister Rajnath Singh and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla are seen as elder statesmen who can lend gravitas to the Vice-Presidential role without rocking the political boat.
Also being discussed are a few veteran intellectuals from the extended Sangh Parivar ecosystem, individuals who may not have electoral baggage but carry ideological weight and public respect.
With the NDA holding a decisive majority in the electoral college, BJP's choice is likely to be less about securing numbers and more about shaping the narrative through regional outreach, ideological clarity, or statesmanlike symbolism.
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