Mr. Modi has the votes in the electoral college and so decides who gets to be India’s next president. Let’s examine some of his choices:

1. LK Advani

Why he doesn’t fit Mr. Modi’s bill: The architect of Hindutva, LK, has fallen out with Mr. Modi, his one-time protege as well as benefactor. His most vocal lackey is Sushma Swaraj, who is a prime contender for Mr. Modi’s post. Next general election is two years away; if there is battle inside BJP for the top job, may plump for Swaraj over Modi.

Why he fits the bill: LK, like Mr. Modi, has fallen out with the RSS brass, now on the rampage with Adityanath’s elevation. Mr. Modi could use LK’s help to stymie Nagpur.

2. Pranab Mukherjee

Why he doesn’t fit Mr. Modi’s bill: He has not exactly endeared himself to the prime minister by constantly harping on intolerance. If Sonia & Co. support him, that would be the kiss of death for him. If he gets a second term, knowing that it would be his last, could get more assertive.

Why he fits the bill: Has been a copybook president. No visible show of dislike or friction between him and the Prime Minister. Mr. Modi might want his strident voice to check Nagpur. Adityanath’s ascension has given Mr. Modi a bad global image; Mr. Mukherjee’s continuance might rectify that situation for a prime minister who cares about nothing more than his global image. Plus his Chanakya-like advice could come in handy for Mr. Modi.

3. Hamid Ansari

Why he doesn’t fit Mr. Modi’s bill: Perceived as Sonia’s relic. Destined to be a Muslim vice president like Mohammed Hidayatullah who were condemned to staying veep.

Why he fits the bill: An excellent man with a progressive wife who is vocal about Muslim issues. Hindutva crowd shouldn’t object to him; having a Muslim as prez will stymie some of the bad press India is getting over religious discord. If Mr. Mukherjee does not get to continue, he really should get the scepter.

4. Mohan Bhagwat

Why he doesn’t fit Mr. Modi’s bill: Mr. Modi doesn’t like him; he doesn’t like Mr. Modi. Then there is the traditional Gujju-Marathi rivalry. Mr. Bhagwat’s favorite is fellow peshwa, Nitin Gadkari. In any tussle Mr. Modi has with Gadkari, Mr. Bhagwat will plump for Gadkari. Additionally, elevating Mr. Bhagwat will send hugely negative signals nationally, and more important internationally, that India has become a theocratic state.

Why he fits Mr. Modi’s bill: You tell me.

5. Farooq Abdullah

Why he doesn’t fit Mr. Modi’s bill: Mr. Modi is in partnership with Abdullah’s bete noire, Mehbooba Mufti. Mufti is not amused by Abdullah’s constant ranting and railing over the situation in Kashmir. Did he rant like that when he or his handsome son were Kashmir’s bosses? Abdullah has a storied past: his gallivanting around Srinagar with Bollywood actresses riding pillion on his motorbike could come to haunt him.

Why he fits the bill: Having a Muslim, and that too Kashmiri, would calm India’s troubled waters. But Abdullah himself seems troubled; he would have to calm down if he wants to enter the august, and serene, portals of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

6. Narayana Murthy

Why he doesn’t fit Mr. Modi’s bill: Wild pick with no experience of politics. Could come out with alternative development vision like Kalam. Could become hugely popular like Kalam and overshadow Mr. Modi. Will play completely by the book if the there’s a tussle for the PM’s job in 2019.

Why he fits the bill: The fair-skinned Tarun Vijay has made all North Indians look racist and condescending. But, but for South Indians, India would be a hellhole like Pakistan. Murthy, the Mysore Brahmin, is quiet and meticulous. Even though he is a novitiate in politics, he will learn quickly. Iconic image sends heartwarming signals globally, especially after what was done to Raghuram Rajan. Additionally, will take a year or two to get his feet wet, in which time Mr. Modi can coax him to see his way.

7. Murli Manohar Joshi: Just forget it. LK beats him in every way.

8. Karan Singh: Ditto. Consigned to be perennial contender. Sonia’s kiss is kiss of death for him.

In a country of 1.4 billion then, no easy choices for Mr. Modi to anoint the conscience keeper of the country. Modi bhakts believe that 2019 will be a repeat of 2014, but there’s no guarantee. 2019 is still two years away. Sure, Mr. Modi, is on a roll, but he could stumble.

If BJP doesn’t hit 272 not out, there could be furious infighting within the Parivar for the PM’s job. Ensuring that he has a prez on his side in such tumultuous times must be giving Mr. Modi sleepless nights. That is if he sleeps at all.