Will India get its first woman Vice President? Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation could give way to 'nari shakti'

The unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankar on Monday has led to speculations about who will succeed him as Vice President.

While there have been 14 veeps since 1950, none of them were women. India has had two women Presidents, including Prathibha Patil and the incumbent Droupadi Murmu. Indira Gandhi remains the only women prime minister of India.

Will India get its first woman Vice President?

When BJP nominated Droupadi Murmu as President, she became the first person from a tribal community to hold the office. If BJP picks a woman as Vice President, it would become a historic first. Also it would be the first time that women would hold both the presidential and VP posts.

Two-time chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who is still BJP's best known face in Rajasthan despite leaving the CM post, is among the names of contenders for the VP's post.

Another BJP leader rumoured to be considered for the VP post include Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faith in Sitharaman's ability to boost the Indian economy, navigating it through a global crisis in 2020-21 and transforming it into the fourth largest economy. It would be no surprise if BJP picks Sitharaman for the VP post.

Another woman speculated to be nominated by the BJP is Sudha Murthy, 73, who took oath as a Rajya Sabha member in 2024. When she was nominated to the post, PM Modi said her presence in Rajya Sabha was a "powerful testament to Nari Shakti". She is also a recipient of Padma Bhushan award.

The top contenders for the VP post are mostly men, including Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh Singh. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who ruled out contesting in the upcoming assembly elections is also a frontrunner. With JP Nadda set to end his term as BJP National President soon, the party could name him to the VP's office.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who recently had a fallout with his party leadership, could be floated by BJP to divide the opposition votes.

Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachood, former Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha and Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena are other names being discussed for the post.

India