Vice-President Election

The NDA has nominated C. P. Radhakrishnan, currently Governor of Maharashtra as its Vice Presidential candidate after the resignation of 14th Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar.

• The INDIA bloc has announced former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy as its nominee.

About the Vice-President of India

• Constitutional Provision: Article 63 provides for the office of the Vice-President of India.
• Precedence: Second-highest constitutional office after the President.
• Role: Ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
  • He acts as President in absence of the incumbent President. (due to resignation, removal, death, or absence).
• Powers: Limited to presiding over Rajya Sabha proceedings.
  • He can cast a tie-breaking vote in case of equality.
  • In the case of death, removal or resignation of the Vice-President the Deputy Chairman can function as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Election of Vice-President

• Constitutional Provision: As per Article 68 of the Constitution, the election to fill the vacancy due to the expiry of the Vice-President’s term must be completed before the incumbent’s term ends.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be a citizen of India
  • At least 35 years of age, 
  • Qualified for Rajya Sabha membership.
  • He /She should not hold an office of profit.
• Election Process: Under Article 324 of the Constitution read with the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.
  • As per Rule 8 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, polls for the election are taken in the Parliament House
  • It is Conducted by the Election Commission of India through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (STV), via secret ballot.

• Electoral College: It comprises members of both Houses of Parliament, including nominated members. Each member’s vote carries equal value.
  • State legislatures play no role in this election.
  • In 2025, the electorate consists of 782 MPs after accounting for vacancies
    • 543 in the Lok Sabha and 233 elected plus 12 nominated in the Rajya Sabha.
• Tenure of Vice President: The Vice President of India holds office for a term of five years from the date they assume office.
  • The Vice President can be re-elected for another term.
  • The position can also end early due to resignation, removal, or death
• Removal of Vice President: The Vice President of India can be removed from office by a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha with a majority of its members (effective majority ), and agreed to by the Lok Sabha with a simple majority of the members present and voting.
  • Initiation: A resolution for the removal of the Vice President can only be moved in the Rajya Sabha.
    • A minimum of 14 days’ notice must be given to the Vice President before the resolution is moved.

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