Who Will Be the Next Vice President of India?

Why the Sudden Need for a Vice President Has Arisen

We are all set to witness an early Vice Presidential election on 9 September 2025, and the timing has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. Normally, the Vice President serves a five-year term as per Article 67 of the Constitution of India, but this time the post fell vacant before the scheduled end. The reason? The resignation of Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar due to health concerns. His sudden exit has created a sense of urgency in political circles because the Vice President’s chair cannot remain empty for long. According to Article 68 of the Constitution, any vacancy arising due to resignation, removal or death must be filled “as soon as possible.” This provision is not just a technicality. It ensures stability at the highest constitutional level. After all, the Vice President is not only the second-highest dignitary of India but also the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. With Parliament already witnessing heated debates and walkouts, the urgency to fill this role cannot be ignored.

The Candidates: NDA vs INDI Alliance

The stage is set for a politically charged battle between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition-led INDI Alliance. The NDA has fielded Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, a seasoned leader known for his firm grip on legislative affairs and loyalty to the coalition’s vision. On the other side, the INDI Alliance has nominated Shri B. Sudarshan Reddy, who served as a judge of the Supreme Court of India from 2007 to 2011. While the numbers in the electoral college seem to favour the NDA because of its Lok Sabha majority, the Rajya Sabha equation and cross-party voting could make things more interesting than they appear. Both candidates bring distinct strengths to the table. Radhakrishnan is expected to be the safe bet for the government to ensure smooth functioning of the Upper House, while Reddy is seen as a figure who could energise the Opposition’s narrative of checks and balances. So, the big question is, will it be continuity or surprise?

Roles and Powers of the Vice President of India

Many people dismiss the Vice President’s post as “decorative,” but that’s a big misconception. Constitutionally, the Vice President plays two major roles. First, as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President decides how debates are conducted, which bills are discussed, and whether the House runs smoothly or descends into chaos. In a country where Parliament sessions often see adjournments, protests and walkouts, this role is absolutely critical. Secondly, the Vice President acts as a backup to the President. If the President resigns, dies or is otherwise unable to function, the Vice President steps in as Acting President until a new one is elected. This makes the position a pillar of constitutional stability. Beyond the bookish definition, however, the Vice President’s style of leadership sets the tone for parliamentary culture. A neutral Vice President can build bridges between ruling and opposition parties, while a partisan one can deepen divisions. That is why this election matters more than ever.

The Voting Process: Indirect Election and the STV System

Unlike Lok Sabha or state elections, where ordinary citizens cast votes directly, the Vice President is elected indirectly. Members of both Houses of Parliament, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, form the electoral college. The voting method used is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, which is quite different from the “first-past-the-post” method we’re used to. Here’s how it works: each MP ranks the candidates in order of preference, first preference, second preference and so on. If no candidate secures the required quota in the first count, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated, and their ballots are transferred to the remaining candidates based on the second preference marked. This process continues until one candidate crosses the quota. The beauty of STV is that it promotes consensus. Even if a candidate doesn’t have the outright majority in the first round, the system ensures that the eventual winner enjoys broader acceptability among MPs. In short, it’s not just about brute numbers; it’s also about being the second and third choice of many.

The election of the President and the Vice President of India differs mainly in terms of electorate size, vote value, and the role of state legislatures. In the Presidential election, both Members of Parliament and elected Members of Legislative Assemblies form the Electoral College, while in the Vice-Presidential election only Members of Parliament, including nominated members, participate. The value of votes in the Presidential election is weighted, with MPs and MLAs assigned different vote values to balance representation between states and the Union, whereas in the Vice-Presidential election every MP’s vote carries equal value. Additionally, state legislatures play a role in electing the President but have no part in electing the Vice President.

What Is the Term of the Vice President of India?

As per the Constitution, the Vice President of India serves a five-year term, beginning from the day he or she takes the oath. However, if a vacancy arises before completing the term, as in the current case, the successor elected does not just “fill in the gap” but begins a full new five-year term. Interestingly, the Constitution places no limit on the number of terms a Vice President can serve, meaning re-election is always a possibility. This flexibility makes the office politically dynamic. While the tenure itself is fixed, the weight of the position is shaped by day-to-day performance in the Rajya Sabha. For the next Vice President, every session of Parliament will be a test of patience, impartiality, and political skill. With India entering a phase of intense political competition ahead of the 2029 general elections, the new Vice President will need to walk the tightrope between neutrality and political realities more than ever before.

Why This Election Matters More Than Usual

Here’s where I think this election becomes more than just a formality. The resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar has suddenly opened a new chapter in Indian politics. The choice of Vice President will not only decide who manages the Rajya Sabha but also signal the mood of Indian politics heading into the future. If the NDA’s C. P. Radhakrishnan wins, it will further consolidate the government’s grip over Parliament and ensure smoother passage of bills. But if the Opposition’s B. Sudarshan Reddy pulls off an upset, it will inject fresh energy into the INDI Alliance and give the Opposition a symbolic victory. Personally, I believe India deserves a Vice President who rises above party politics and ensures that the Rajya Sabha remains a temple of debate, not disruption. This election might not capture the frenzy of a Lok Sabha poll, but make no mistake, it will shape the political climate of India in the years to come. And that’s why all eyes are on 9 September 2025.

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