Election of Vice President in India | Vice-Presidential Election 2025

The Vice-Presidential Election 2025 in India has attracted nationwide attention following the sudden resignation of the incumbent Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, in July 2025. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the election process of the Vice-President of India, constitutional provisions, electoral college, nomination procedure, and the significance of this key constitutional post.

What is the Election of the Vice-President of India?

The Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional authority in the country, acting as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Vice-President also assumes the duties of the President of India in case of vacancy due to resignation, removal, or death.

The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament, i.e., the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. This election is conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under the constitutional framework and specific laws.

Constitutional and Legal Framework Governing Vice-Presidential Election

• Article 63 and 66 of the Constitution of India outline the provisions related to the Vice-President and his election.

• The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, along with the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, govern the procedure of elections.

• Article 324 of the Constitution empowers the Election Commission of India to conduct the election.

Why the Vice-Presidential Election 2025?

The 2025 election was necessitated by the mid-term resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons. This rare mid-term vacancy has triggered the Election Commission to begin preparations for conducting the election.

Who Votes in the Vice-Presidential Election?

Unlike the President, who is elected by a combination of Parliament and State Assemblies, the Vice-President is elected solely by the members of both Houses of Parliament.

Composition of the Electoral College:

• Members of Lok Sabha (House of the People)

• Members of Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

• Includes both elected and nominated members

• Total electors: 788 (as of 2025)

Key Features:

• Voting is done via secret ballot.

• System used: Proportional Representation by means of Single Transferable Vote (STV).

• Party whip does not apply; members can vote independently.

Important Features of the Vice-Presidential Election

• Voting is by secret ballot.

• The election follows the single transferable vote system, a form of proportional representation.

• Members of Parliament are free to vote according to their own choice; they are not bound by any party whip.

• The election is conducted by the Election Commission of India, which also appoints the Returning Officer for the election.

Nomination Process for Vice-President

According to the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974:

• A candidate’s nomination must be subscribed by:

  • 20 proposers (electors)

  • 20 seconders (electors)

• Security Deposit: ₹15,000

• Nominations are submitted to the Returning Officer (RO) between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on designated days.

Returning Officer and AROs for 2025:

• Returning Officer: P.C. Mody (Secretary General, Rajya Sabha)

• Assistant ROs: Garima Jain and Vijay Kumar

Role of the Returning Officer in Vice-Presidential Election

• The Returning Officer (RO) is usually the Secretary-General of either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, appointed on a rotational basis.

• The RO oversees all election-related activities, including scrutiny of nomination papers, managing the polling process, counting votes, and declaration of results.

• The Election Commission appoints Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) to assist the RO.

Timeline and Preparations for Vice-Presidential Election 2025

• After the resignation of the sitting Vice-President, the Election Commission started preparatory activities, including the finalization of the Electoral College list and appointment of election officials.

• The ECI is expected to announce the poll schedule soon, with dates for nomination, polling, and counting.

• Security and logistics arrangements are meticulously planned to ensure free, fair, and smooth conduct of the election.

Significance of the Vice-President’s Election

• The Vice-President holds a key constitutional position, balancing the roles of legislative leadership and executive succession.

• The Vice-President also chairs the Rajya Sabha, ensuring the smooth functioning of the parliamentary process.

• This election reflects India’s democratic principles, where elected representatives choose one of their own to this crucial office.

• The freedom of MPs to vote without party whips highlights the autonomy and integrity embedded in this process.

Sharing is caring!