The Vice Presidential election is one of the most important events in India’s democratic process. It determines who will hold the second-highest constitutional office in the country after the President. In 2025, the election for the Vice President of India has drawn attention from political observers, parties, and citizens alike. With voting now concluded and counting underway, the nation eagerly awaits the results.
Beginning of the Vote Counting
The counting of votes for the Vice Presidential election has officially started at the newly inaugurated Parliament building. Voting took place earlier in the day, beginning at 10 AM and closing at 5 PM. Once the ballot boxes were sealed, preparations for counting began, and the process was scheduled to start after 6 PM.
The event is being closely followed because the Vice Presidential election will decide who will preside over the Rajya Sabha as its Chairman and represent the dignity of Parliament.
The Main Contestants
This year’s Vice Presidential election has two prominent contenders:
- C. P. Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee and Governor of Maharashtra.
- B. Sudershan Reddy, the candidate from the INDIA bloc and a former Supreme Court judge.
Both nominees bring strong credentials to the table. Radhakrishnan, with his deep roots in political service, has long been associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is backed by the ruling coalition. On the other hand, Sudershan Reddy’s distinguished career in the judiciary and his reputation for fairness make him a formidable choice for the opposition.
Significance of the Candidates
The presence of these two strong personalities highlights the importance of the Vice Presidential election in India’s political landscape. While one candidate represents administrative experience and political acumen, the other reflects judicial wisdom and independence.
Who Votes in the Vice Presidential Election?
Unlike the Presidential election, where Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) both vote, the Vice Presidential election involves only the MPs.
- Members from both Houses of Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — cast their votes.
- A total of 788 MPs form the electoral college for this election.
- Voting is conducted through a secret ballot to ensure confidentiality.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to cast his vote, followed by other senior leaders from different parties. The presence of all major political figures underscores the weight this election carries.
Importance of the Vice Presidential Election in Indian Democracy
The role of the Vice President is far more than symbolic. The Vice President:
- Acts as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, ensuring smooth functioning and maintaining order during parliamentary debates.
- Serves as the second-highest constitutional authority in the country.
- Assumes the duties of the President in the latter’s absence, resignation, or demise until a new President is elected.
Thus, the Vice Presidential election is crucial in maintaining the balance of power and upholding constitutional values.
The Election Process
The process of electing the Vice President is laid down in the Constitution of India. Here’s how it unfolds:
Notification and Nomination
The Election Commission issues a notification announcing the date of the Vice Presidential election. Interested candidates then file their nomination papers, which must be backed by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders from among the MPs.
Scrutiny of Nominations
The Returning Officer scrutinizes the nominations to ensure they meet constitutional requirements. Valid nominations are then confirmed, and the final list of candidates is published.
Polling Day
On the day of the Vice Presidential election, MPs cast their votes using a secret ballot. The voting follows the proportional representation system through a single transferable vote method.
Counting and Results
Once polling is completed, ballot boxes are opened, and votes are counted. The candidate securing the majority of votes is declared the Vice President of India.
Political Significance of the 2025 Vice Presidential Election
The current Vice Presidential election carries huge political significance for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.
- For the NDA, securing the Vice President’s chair would strengthen their hold over Parliament and ensure smoother passage of bills in the Rajya Sabha.
- For the INDIA bloc, winning this election would serve as a morale booster ahead of the upcoming state and general elections. It would also allow them to play a stronger role in parliamentary debates.
Past Trends in Vice Presidential Elections
Historically, the Vice Presidential election has often seen the ruling coalition’s nominee emerge victorious due to their numerical advantage in Parliament. However, opposition candidates have also left a mark when the political climate was favorable.
The 2025 contest is no different, as both alliances are treating it as a prestige battle that goes beyond just electing the Vice President.
Role of the Vice President in the Rajya Sabha
One of the primary responsibilities of the Vice President is to serve as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In this role, the Vice President:
- Ensures that debates are conducted in an orderly manner.
- Maintains discipline among members.
- Decides on points of order raised during proceedings.
- Plays a neutral role, despite having political affiliations, to maintain the dignity of the House.
This makes the Vice Presidential election not just a ceremonial event but one that directly impacts how the Parliament functions.
Public and Media Attention
The Vice Presidential election has captured the attention of the media, political analysts, and the general public. The contest between an experienced politician and a respected judge has added an extra layer of intrigue. Social media platforms are buzzing with opinions, predictions, and debates on who will emerge victorious.
Expectations from the New Vice President
Whoever wins this year’s Vice Presidential election will face several challenges, including:
- Maintaining decorum in the Rajya Sabha amidst heated political debates.
- Acting as a bridge between the government and the opposition.
- Upholding the values of the Constitution while discharging duties impartially.