A high-stakes contest unfolds as India prepares to elect its next vice president, raising questions about political alliances.
In the India election 2025, the vice-presidential election takes place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in New Delhi, with NDA’s C.P. Radhakrishnan facing INDIA bloc’s B. Sudershan Reddy. Voting by 781 MPs starts at 10:00 AM, prompted by Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation in July 2025. Results are expected by 6:00 PM.
Why it Matters in South Asia
The India election 2025 for vice president shapes India’s parliamentary leadership, influencing legislative stability in a region where political dynamics impact neighbours like Pakistan and Bangladesh. The outcome could signal coalition strengths, affecting South Asia’s geopolitical balance amid ongoing economic and security challenges.
India Election 2025: Vice-Presidential Contest Details
The India election 2025 for the vice presidency is the 17th such election, necessitated by Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, citing health reasons. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the electoral college comprises 781 members—542 from the Lok Sabha and 239 from the Rajya Sabha—with a majority mark of 391 votes. Voting occurs in the New Parliament Building using a secret ballot and the single transferable vote (STV) system, ensuring proportional representation.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has nominated Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, while the opposition INDIA bloc has fielded former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy. According to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, the ECI appointed observers Sushil Kumar Lohani and D. Anandan to oversee the process, ensuring transparency. Voting begins at 10:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM, with counting starting at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The NDA holds a numerical edge with 423 MPs (293 Lok Sabha, 130 Rajya Sabha), bolstered by allies like the YSR Congress Party. The INDIA bloc faces challenges in unifying its diverse members, potentially weakening Reddy’s chances.
India Vice President Election Date and Process
The India vice president election date, set for Tuesday, September 9, 2025, was announced by the ECI on Friday, August 1, 2025. Nominations opened on Thursday, August 7, 2025, and closed on Wednesday, August 21, 2025, with scrutiny on Thursday, August 22, 2025, and withdrawals permitted until Monday, August 25, 2025. According to the ECI, the electoral college list was finalised on Thursday, July 31, 2025, ensuring updated MP addresses for smooth conduct.
The voting process uses STV, where MPs rank candidates by preference. A candidate needs 391 votes to win. If no majority is achieved, the lowest-polling candidate’s votes are redistributed based on second preferences until a winner emerges. The India vice president election date and process underscore India’s commitment to democratic fairness, with each MP’s vote carrying equal weight.
Key Candidates in India Election 2025
C.P. Radhakrishnan, a senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Governor since 2023, was announced as the NDA candidate on Monday, August 18, 2025, by BJP President J.P. Nadda. According to the BJP, Radhakrishnan’s nomination followed consultations with NDA allies, aiming for consensus. B. Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge, represents the INDIA bloc’s focus on judicial expertise.
The India vice president election date has drawn attention to coalition dynamics. NDA MPs, including those from Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan, met Radhakrishnan on Saturday, August 23, 2025, to pledge support. The opposition’s campaign has been quieter, reflecting internal coordination challenges.
Background
The vice president, also the Rajya Sabha Chairperson, plays a critical role in India’s parliamentary system. Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, the first in over a decade, triggered the India election 2025 for this post. Past elections, like 2022’s when Dhankhar won, saw similar NDA dominance. India’s vice-presidential elections historically reflect coalition strengths, with the NDA’s 2025 advantage echoing its 2024 Lok Sabha performance, securing 293 seats.
What’s Next for India Election 2025
The India vice president election date marks a pivotal moment, with results likely shaping legislative priorities. The winner, to be sworn in by mid-September 2025, will influence Rajya Sabha proceedings amid debates on issues like corruption and economic reforms. The India election 2025 outcome could also affect coalition strategies for upcoming state polls, reinforcing or challenging the NDA’s regional influence.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 9th, 2025
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