Tharoor may succeed Dhankar as next V-P
If the buzz on Indian social media channels – and talk within the country's political circles – are anything to go by, Tharoor stands a good chance to be elevated to the role of 'second citizen'.
The speculation comes as the incumbent VP of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar surprised all by announcing late last night (July 21) that he's stepping down from the role.
A new candidate must be elected within the next 60 days, according to the rules, according to The Gulf News report.
Tharoor's name is reportedly high on the list of possible names to replace Dhankhar, with a decision expected soon.
Now, even before Dhankar made the surprise move – he's stepping down because of health issues – Tharoor had been mooted as a possible 'future' VP of the country. Now that future is likely to happen a lot sooner, if all the speculation is based on facts.
Tharoor is currently a Member of Parliament from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala, having won a narrow victory in the 2024 elections. But what he has been doing in recent weeks is what's fueling the fevered speculation about Tharoor as the next VP pick.
Tharoor has been one of the more vocal proponents of India's stance on 'Operation Sindoor' in trips to the US and elsewhere. And that's brought him visibly closer to the BJP government - and sharing quite the rapport with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Three more names are doing the rounds.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The JDU leader's name is doing the rounds as reportedly, the BJP is looking to name one of its own as Bihar's chief ministerial candidate ahead of the state polls. Union Health Minister and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda. A BJP veteran, he is known to be close to PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
JDU MP and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh . As per the rules of the Constitution, Singh took over the duties of Rajya Sabha chairman (VP) starting today (July 22). He shares cordial relations with both Nitish Kumar and PM Modi, making him a prime contender.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
12 minutes ago
- First Post
7 big infra projects India has built for Maldives
India continues to play a key development role in the Maldives through major infrastructure projects, even as political ties recalibrate under President Muizzu. From bridges to renewable energy, these initiatives highlight India's lasting impact on the island nation's growth and connectivity. read more As India and the Maldives undergo a period of political recalibration under President Mohamed Muizzu, the long-standing development partnership between the two nations remains defined by key infrastructure projects that have transformed the archipelago's urban connectivity. Over the past decade, India has funded and implemented a string of high-impact projects, ranging from bridges and roads to ports and renewable energy systems under its broader 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Here are seven of the biggest infrastructure projects India has built or is building in the Maldives: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Greater Male connectivity project India's largest development project in the Maldives, the $500 million Greater Male Connectivity Project is a game-changer for the island nation. Funded through a $100 million grant and $400 million line of credit from India, the 6.74 km bridge and causeway network will connect the capital Male with three neighbouring islands—Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi, enhancing connectivity for nearly half of the Maldivian population. The project is being executed by India's Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. Hanimaadhoo international airport expansion With a financial package of $136 million under India's Line of Credit, the expansion of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in northern Maldives is aimed at boosting regional tourism and trade. The project includes a new 2.46 km runway and passenger terminal capable of handling 1.3 million passengers annually. Addu roads and reclamation project India has committed $200 million to revamp infrastructure in Addu City, the second-largest urban centre in the Maldives. The project includes road development and land reclamation works which are vital for economic development and climate resilience in the southernmost atoll. Gulhifalhu port development India is supporting the first phase of the Gulhifalhu Port project, designed to become a key transhipment and commercial hub for the Maldives. It aims to decongest Male's existing port and strengthen the logistics infrastructure of the capital region. Water and sanitation projects across 34 islands With a $100 million Indian grant, water and sanitation infrastructure is being developed on 34 remote islands across the Maldives. These projects are essential for public health and sustainable living in one of the world's most climate-vulnerable nations. Social housing units in Hulhumale India has funded the construction of 2,000 affordable housing units in Hulhumale under an $80 million Line of Credit. Executed by NBCC (India) Ltd, the project aims to ease housing shortages and improve urban living conditions in the rapidly expanding capital region. Renewable energy projects across the Maldives In line with the Maldives' climate goals, India has helped install rooftop solar panels in government buildings, street lighting systems and hybrid renewable energy projects across various islands. India also assisted with a project to set up solar-battery-diesel hybrid systems on 11 islands. India's enduring development role Despite recent diplomatic friction over the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and a tilt towards China by the current Maldivian administration, these projects stand as a testament to India's long-term developmental footprint in the Maldives. Indian-funded infrastructure not only supports the Maldivian economy but also reinforces regional stability and shared prosperity.
Time of India
12 minutes ago
- Time of India
Govt issued 1,524 blocking directions for online betting, gambling platforms: MoS IT
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills The government issued 1,524 orders from 2022 till June 2025 to block online betting and gambling platforms , Parliament was informed on of state for electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, said in a written reply to Lok Sabha that the policies of the Central Government are aimed at ensuring open, safe, trusted and accountable internet for its users."From 2022 till June 2025, the Government has issued 1,524 blocking directions related to online betting/gambling/gaming websites and mobile applications," he said the Directorate General of GST Intelligence Headquarters is empowered as an appropriate government agency under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (" IT Act ") and the IGST Act to direct intermediaries to block unregistered online money gaming platforms, including offshore online money gaming platforms, violating the IGST said that the suppliers of online money gaming are also being regulated under the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (IGST Act)."Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, 'Betting and gambling' is a State subject (entry 34 of the List II). Therefore, as per the provisions of article 246 read with article 162 of the Constitution, State Legislatures have the power to legislate on matters related to betting and gambling," Prasada minister said that the states and union territories are primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes, including action on illegal betting and gambling."The Central Government supplements the efforts of the States/Union Territories through advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for capacity building of their LEA," Prasada said.
Time of India
12 minutes ago
- Time of India
India Resumes Tourist Visas For Chinese Citizens 5 Years After 2020 Galwan Valley Clash
India, Maldives Gear Up To Reset Diplomatic Ties, PM Modi To Hold Talks With President Muizzu Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Maldives on July 26 as the Guest of Honour for the island nation's 60th Independence Day celebrations. This marks Modi's first visit since President Mohamed Muizzu took office, signalling a major thaw in previously strained ties. The visit underscores India's 'Neighbourhood First' and Vision MAHASAGAR maritime policies. PM Modi and Muizzu will hold talks and review the progress of the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, agreed upon during Muizzu's visit to India in October 2024. The two leaders are expected to reset their nations' defence and diplomatic ties, especially after Muizzu's controversial demand for withdrawal of Indian troops in 2023.#pmmodi #narendramodi #india #maldives #mohammedmuizzu #modimaldivesvisit #maldivesindependenceday #modimuizzu #indiadiplomacy #neighbourhoodfirst #toi #toibharat #bharat #trending #breakingnews #indianews 2.8K views | 1 day ago
