Ahead of the September 9 Vice-Presidential polls, the ruling NDA and the INDIA bloc are actively strategizing to secure support for their respective candidates.
The election was necessitated following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar last month, citing health reasons. This will mark the 17th Vice-Presidential election. The Vice President is chosen by an Electoral College comprising members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Who are the candidates in the 2025 Vice Presidential polls?
The NDA has nominated C. P. Radhakrishnan, Maharashtra’s Governor and senior BJP leader, while the INDIA bloc has fielded former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy as its candidate.
The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College comprising members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, including elected and nominated members. The election is held through a constitutionally mandated process overseen by the Election Commission. Unlike the Presidential poll, only Members of Parliament participate, with each casting a single vote. The result will hinge on numerical strength and voting alignments within the two Houses of Parliament.
Who elects the Vice-President of India?
The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (both elected and nominated members).
What is the term of the office of the Vice-President?
The Vice-President holds office for a term of 5 years from the date on which he enters upon his office. However, notwithstanding the expiration of his term, he shall continue to hold office, until his successor enters upon his office. In the case of death, removal or resignation of the Vice-President, the Constitution does not provide any method of succession, apart from a fresh election. However, in such event, the Deputy Chairman can function as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Who are the electors in the Vice-Presidential election?
The Vice-President is chosen by an Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament, including nominated members, with state legislatures having no role in the process. For the 2025 election, the electorate comprises 782 MPs—543 from the Lok Sabha and 233 elected plus 12 nominated members from the Rajya Sabha. Each vote carries equal weight.
What is the process of voting and how are the votes counted?
The Vice Presidential election is conducted under Article 66 of the Constitution through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (STV). Members cast their votes by secret ballot, ranking candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, and so on).
To be declared elected, a candidate must secure a majority quota, more than half of the total valid votes. If no candidate achieves this on first preference votes, the one with the fewest votes is eliminated and their ballots are transferred according to the next available preferences. This process continues until a candidate crosses the required threshold.
The Election Commission oversees the election, appointing a Returning Officer, usually a senior parliamentary official, to supervise the poll, which is held in the Parliament House under Rule 8 of the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.
How do the numbers stack up between NDA and INDIA bloc?
The NDA holds a clear numerical advantage in Parliament, strengthened not only by its coalition partners but also by outside support from regional parties such as the YSR Congress Party. The INDIA bloc, though united behind a joint nominee, faces the challenge of ensuring cohesion among its diverse members during the voting process.
In terms of numbers, the BJP led NDA commands 423 MPs, with 293 in the Lok Sabha and 130 in the Rajya Sabha, giving it a built in edge over the opposition, provided its allies vote solidly in favour of C. P. Radhakrishnan.
What are the positions of parties such as the DMK, YSRCP, TMC, BJD, AIMIM, and Shiv Sena (Uddhav) on the Vice Presidential polls?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached out to DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, urging support for Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan as the consensus candidate. However, Stalin refrained from making any commitment.
The YSR Congress Party, which has four members in the Lok Sabha and seven in the Rajya Sabha, has a track record of backing NDA candidates in past presidential and vice-presidential elections.
On the opposition front, TMC MP Derek O’Brien affirmed that all parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), are united in supporting the INDIA bloc’s joint candidate for the Vice Presidential polls.
The BJD remains undecided, with senior MLA Pramila Mallik stating that party chief Naveen Patnaik will take a call at the appropriate time, keeping Odisha’s interests foremost.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray underscored the importance of safeguarding the dignity of the Vice Presidential office, making it clear that his party would fully back the INDIA bloc’s nominee.
When will the election take place?
Polling for the Vice Presidential election will take place on September 9, 2025, in Parliament House. Counting will begin immediately after voting concludes, with the results to be announced the same day by the Returning Officer under the supervision of the Election Commission.