The election to choose India’s next Vice President is being held today, September 9, at the New Parliament Building in New Delhi. Voting began at 10:00 a.m. and will continue until 5:00 p.m., after which counting will take place from 6:00 p.m. onwards. Results are expected later this evening, determining who will succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar in the country’s second-highest constitutional office.
The contest pits the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee and current Maharashtra Governor, C.P. Radhakrishnan, against the INDIA bloc’s candidate, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy. The outcome of the election will shape the functioning of the Rajya Sabha, as the Vice President also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Upper House. This makes the position one of the most influential in Parliament, second only to the President in constitutional hierarchy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to cast the first vote of the day. For the conduct of the election, Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Ram Mohan Naidu, along with Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, have been appointed as official election agents. Voting is taking place through a secret ballot, following the procedure laid down by Parliament for such elections.
The electoral college for the Vice Presidential election comprises 781 members, including 542 elected members of the Lok Sabha and 239 members of the Rajya Sabha. This number accounts for 233 elected and 12 nominated members in the Upper House, with six seats currently vacant across both chambers. Each vote carries equal value, and the candidate securing a majority of 391 votes will be declared elected.
The vacancy in the Vice President’s office arose on July 21 when Jagdeep Dhankhar unexpectedly resigned, citing health concerns. His departure, announced on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament, created a leadership gap in the Rajya Sabha and set the stage for today’s election. Dhankhar’s resignation was notable as it cut short a tenure that began with his election to the post in 2022.
The Vice President’s role is pivotal in maintaining order and facilitating debate in the Rajya Sabha, particularly at a time when parliamentary sessions have been marked by contentious exchanges. With a new Vice President set to take charge, the political balance and functioning of the Upper House may see fresh dynamics in the months ahead.
Political observers suggest that while the NDA enjoys a numerical advantage owing to its combined strength in both Houses, the election will still be closely watched for signs of cross-voting or shifts in political alignments. The INDIA bloc, which has fielded B. Sudershan Reddy, has sought to frame the election as a test of opposition unity and a platform to challenge the ruling coalition in Parliament.
Radhakrishnan, the NDA candidate, has served as Governor of Maharashtra and has held several positions within the BJP over the years. His nomination reflects the ruling coalition’s confidence in consolidating support across its parliamentary ranks. Reddy, on the other hand, brings judicial credentials to the contest, having served as a Supreme Court judge, and represents the INDIA bloc’s attempt to project a figure of independence and credibility.
The secrecy of the ballot process, however, leaves room for surprises, as Vice Presidential elections in the past have occasionally seen members vote across party lines. With results due later tonight, both camps are closely monitoring the proceedings.
As the nation awaits the outcome, today’s election underscores the constitutional significance of the Vice Presidency. Beyond its ceremonial stature, the role carries substantial influence in shaping the legislative agenda and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha. The result will not only fill a critical vacancy but also signal the balance of power in Parliament at a time of heightened political contestation.
