India is set to elect its next Vice President on September 9, 2025, following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar last month. The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the official poll schedule on August 1, setting in motion the constitutional process to fill the second-highest constitutional office in the country.
Dhankhar, 74, who assumed office in August 2022, stepped down on July 21, cutting short his five-year term that was due to end in 2027. His resignation has now triggered a fresh political contest, with the ruling and opposition camps expected to zero in on their candidates in the coming weeks.
Vice Presidential Election 2025: Key Dates Announced
As per the schedule released by the ECI:
- Notification of election: August 7
- Last date for filing nominations: August 21
- Scrutiny of nominations: August 22
- Last date for withdrawal of candidatures: August 25
- Date of polling (if required): September 9
- Counting of votes: September 9 (same day as polling)
The election is being held in accordance with Articles 63 to 71 of the Constitution of India and the Vice-President (Election) Rules, 1974. The entire process must be completed within 60 days of the resignation, making the September 9 deadline crucial.
How Is the Vice President of India Elected?
The Vice President is elected through a secret ballot by an Electoral College comprising members of both Houses of Parliament — the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. This includes elected as well as nominated members.
The election follows the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Each Member of Parliament casts one vote, ranking candidates in order of preference.
- Total number of eligible voters:
- Lok Sabha MPs: 543 elected members
- Rajya Sabha MPs: 245 members (233 elected + 12 nominated)
- Total electorate: 788 MPs
Unlike the presidential election, state legislators are not part of the Vice Presidential electoral college.
Political Landscape and Probable Contest
Given its numerical strength in Parliament, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is in a strong position to influence the outcome of the election. However, with several non-aligned and regional parties holding sway over a significant number of MPs, the contest could still see strategic maneuvers from the opposition.
The ruling alliance is expected to announce its candidate in the coming days, with several names reportedly under consideration — though no official declaration has been made yet.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are said to be in discussions to field a consensus candidate, potentially from among senior leaders or civil society figures, aiming to unite various anti-BJP forces.
Why Did Jagdeep Dhankhar Resign Early?
While the ECI did not elaborate on the reasons behind Dhankhar’s resignation, political observers have speculated that the move may be linked to ongoing strategic realignments within the BJP and the NDA. There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that Dhankhar might be considered for a gubernatorial or diplomatic post in the near future.
His tenure as Vice President and ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha was marked by frequent confrontations with opposition MPs, particularly during debates on controversial legislations. His strong administrative style and legal background often drew both praise and criticism in equal measure.
What Happens Next?
With the schedule now in place, political activity is set to intensify in New Delhi. Nomination filings, political negotiations, alliance strategies, and potential cross-voting possibilities are likely to dominate headlines in the weeks ahead.
While the Vice President’s role is largely ceremonial, their function as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha carries significant weight in ensuring smooth parliamentary proceedings — especially during politically charged sessions.
As India prepares to elect its next Vice President, all eyes will be on how the ruling NDA and a scattered opposition strategize to stake their claims. Regardless of the outcome, the process is a reaffirmation of India’s constitutional mechanisms and democratic spirit.
The 2025 Vice Presidential election may not stir mass public excitement, but its result will shape the tone and functioning of the upper house in a politically crucial period leading up to the 2029 General Elections.
