Vice President Election 2025: Process, Date, and Expected Candidates in India

The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional post in the country. Apart from being symbolic, this post plays an important role in managing Parliament, especially in the Rajya Sabha. The Vice President also steps in when the President is not available. With the post now vacant, the Election Commission has announced Vice President Elections on 9th September 2025.

Why is the Election Happening?

Jagdeep Dhankhar, who was serving as the Vice President, resigned on 21st July 2025 due to health and personal reasons. According to the Constitution, the position must be filled within 6 months. Therefore, the Election Commission of India has scheduled fresh elections.

How is the Vice President Elected in India?

The election is held through a special voting system:

• Only Members of Parliament (MPs) from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha can vote.

• State MLAs or citizens do not participate in this election.

• The election is conducted through secret ballot and single transferable vote system.

• Each MP gives preferences among the candidates.

• The candidate who gets more than 50% of the valid votes (first preferences) wins the election.

Total Voters in 2025 Election

In this election, approximately 788 MPs are eligible to vote. So, any candidate must receive at least 394 first-preference votes to win.

Important Dates of Election 2025

Expected Candidates for Vice President

As per sources, these are the leading names in discussion for the post:

• Gulabchand Kataria – Senior BJP leader and former Governor

• Ghanshyam Tiwari – Present Rajya Sabha MP

• Vasundhara Raje – Former CM of Rajasthan

• Om Mathur – Senior leader from Rajasthan and close to RSS

NDA (BJP-led alliance) is expected to nominate one among them. The Opposition may announce a strong candidate too, making the election more interesting.

Why This Election Matters?

• The Vice President also works as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

• In absence of the President, they act as Acting President.

• The person on this post helps maintain discipline and discussion in Parliament.

• This election will show the strength of the ruling alliance (NDA) in Parliament.

Role of Vice President in Indian Constitution

• Presides over Rajya Sabha as Chairman

• Represents India at official events when President is not available

• Has a neutral role but must manage the upper house fairly

• Ensures smooth working of Parliament

Political Significance of 2025 Election

This election is happening just before the 2026 General Elections. It is seen as a test of strength between the ruling alliance (NDA) and the opposition bloc (INDIA alliance). A lot of planning and discussions are already happening in political circles.

If NDA wins, it will be a morale booster before Lok Sabha elections. If opposition wins or gives a tough fight, it may signal a new political trend.