New Delhi, September 9, 2025 – The race for India’s Vice Presidency entered a decisive phase today as Members of Parliament cast their votes to elect the successor to Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned on July 21 citing health concerns.
The election has set up a direct contest between C. P. Radhakrishnan, the nominee of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy, backed by the opposition INDIA bloc.
The Polling Process
Polling began at 10:00 AM in Room No. 101 Vasudha inside the new Parliament building in New Delhi. The voting is being conducted under the single transferable vote system, where MPs rank candidates in order of preference.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to cast his vote, followed by senior Union ministers including Kiren Rijiju, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Jitendra Singh, and L. Murugan.
Voting will continue until 5:00 PM, after which the counting process will begin at 6:00 PM. The result is expected to be declared the same evening.
The Candidates
- C. P. Radhakrishnan (NDA Candidate): A senior leader with extensive experience in politics, Radhakrishnan enjoys the backing of the BJP-led coalition. His nomination is seen as a move to consolidate NDA’s presence in high constitutional offices.
- Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy (INDIA Bloc Candidate): A respected former judge of the Supreme Court, Reddy represents the INDIA bloc’s push to put forward candidates with constitutional and judicial credentials.
Why This Election Matters
The Vice President of India is not just the second-highest constitutional authority in the country but also serves as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). This role becomes crucial in maintaining order, ensuring legislative debates, and balancing government-opposition dynamics in the House.
With the NDA holding a numerical advantage in Parliament, analysts suggest Radhakrishnan has the upper hand. However, the INDIA bloc hopes to rally cross-party support to turn the contest into a symbolic fight showcasing opposition unity.
What’s Next?
- Voting ends at 5 PM today
- Counting begins at 6 PM
- Winner expected to be announced by tonight
India will soon know who will step into the role of Vice President at a time when the nation faces both domestic challenges and global responsibilities.
