The INDIA bloc’s decision to contest the vice-presidential election, despite lacking the numbers to win, has ignited hope and tension across India. On August 7, 2025, leaders met at Rahul Gandhi’s Delhi residence, resolving to field a joint candidate for the September 9 polls, following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation on July 21. The move aims to challenge the BJP-led NDA’s dominance and send a strong message of unity.
Congress’s Stance Over Vice-Presidential Elections
“We’re fighting for our voice,” said a Congress worker in Delhi, capturing the bloc’s resolve. The Electoral College, with 788 members, favors the NDA’s 423 votes over the INDIA bloc’s 313. Yet, leaders like Tejashwi Yadav emphasized issues like Bihar’s electoral roll discrepancies, planning protests culminating in a September 1 rally. Farooq Abdullah also urged action on Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
The bloc’s stand, after a 14-month hiatus, rekindles opposition momentum. “This isn’t just about winning; it’s about standing up,”. As nominations close on August 21, the vice-presidential election has become a battleground for India’s political soul.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 8th, 2025
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