BJP president JP Nadda confirmed on Saturday that Jagdeep Dhankar, the governor of West Bengal, is the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)’s candidate for the post of Vice President.

The decision came after the party’s parliamentary board meeting earlier in the day. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Others in attendance were Union Ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and BJP National General Secretary BL Santosh, among others.

Union Ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh & Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrive at BJP headquarters in Delhi for the party's parliamentary board meeting pic.twitter.com/TnBoqKaJi7

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2022

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Dhankar was also in the national capital and met with Home Minister Amit Shah before the meeting.

West Bengal Governor Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar called on Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ⁦@HMOIndia⁩ at his residence in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/mKErB6p765

— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) July 15, 2022

Making the announcement, BJP president J P Nadda lauded Dhankhar as a "kisan putra" (farmer's son) who established himself as a "people's governor". Since assuming charge as the governor of West Bengal in July 2019, Dhankhar has taken on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led government regularly over various issues. BJP leaders noted that Dhankhar has been in public life for more than three decades, and his life story reflects the spirit of new India: "overcoming innumerable social and economic hurdles and achieving one's goals".

Prime Minister Modi also expressed his joy on Twitter writing "I am sure that he will be an outstanding Chair in the Rajya Sabha & guide the proceedings of the House"

Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has excellent knowledge of our Constitution. He is also well-versed with legislative affairs. I am sure that he will be an outstanding Chair in the Rajya Sabha & guide the proceedings of the House with the aim of furthering national progress. @jdhankhar1 pic.twitter.com/Ibfsp1fgDt

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 16, 2022

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(With inputs from PTI)