India’s Next Vice President, 2025 Analysis

 

Vice Presidential Election India 2025: Complete Guide and Analysis

India’s Vice Presidential Election of 2025, scheduled for 9th September 2025, has become a focal point in Indian politics. The election comes after the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, making it an early and highly significant contest. This election is not only about selecting the second-highest constitutional office holder in the country but also reflects the current political dynamics, party alliances, and regional representation in Parliament.

In this detailed guide, we will cover everything: candidates, voting process, alliances, election math, historical context, potential outcomes, and political implications.

1. What is the Role of the Vice President in India?

The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional office after the President. The Constitution assigns the following responsibilities:

• Acts as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).

• Presides over parliamentary debates, ensuring smooth legislative functioning.

• Acts as President in the absence or vacancy of the President.

• Maintains constitutional decorum, neutrality, and balance between parties.

This position is unique because the Vice President is both a political and legislative authority, making the election outcome significant for parliamentary affairs.

2. Why is the 2025 Election Important?

Several factors make the 2025 Vice Presidential election crucial:

1. Unexpected Vacancy: Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned due to health reasons.

2. Power Balance: The winner will influence the Rajya Sabha, affecting legislative debates and bill approvals.

3. Political Messaging: Both NDA and INDIA alliance are using this election to showcase strength and unity.

4. Historical Significance: Early elections like this are rare; the last early Vice Presidential election occurred decades ago.

3. Key Candidates

3.1 C. P. Radhakrishnan – NDA Candidate

• Born: 20th October 1957, Tirupur, Tamil Nadu

• Political Background:

  • Former President of Tamil Nadu BJP

  • Member of Lok Sabha

  • Served as Governor in multiple states, including Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Puducherry

• Party Affiliation: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

• Significance: Radhakrishnan represents South India and brings a mix of political and administrative experience, providing NDA both regional and legislative leverage

3.2 B. Sudarshan Reddy – INDIA Alliance Candidate

• Born: 8th July 1946, Andhra Pradesh

• Professional Background:

  • Former Judge of Andhra Pradesh High Court

  • Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court

  • Judge of Supreme Court of India

• Party Affiliation: Independent, supported by INDIA alliance

• Significance: Sudarshan Reddy represents judicial expertise and impartiality, aiming to consolidate opposition votes against NDA.

4. Political Alliances and Their Strategies

The Vice Presidential election is heavily influenced by party alliances:

• NDA (National Democratic Alliance): Led by BJP, with regional allies, focusing on a combined parliamentary majority.

• INDIA Alliance (Opposition): Includes INC, DMK, TMC, and other regional parties, aiming to strategically consolidate votes.

• Third-Party Support: AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, publicly supports Sudarshan Reddy, emphasizing regional solidarity.

Strategy Analysis:

• NDA is leveraging central and regional influence, while INDIA alliance is trying to unite minority and regional votes for an upset.

5. How the Voting Process Works

The Vice Presidential election is indirect under Article 66 of the Constitution:

1. Electoral College: Consists of elected members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

2. Voting Method: Secret ballot, ensuring confidentiality.

3. Counting: Uses proportional representation with single transferable vote system.

4. Winning Criteria: Candidate with majority transferable votes wins.

5.1 Election Math: How Votes Are Calculated

• Each MP’s vote has equal weightage.

• If a candidate receives more than 50% of the valid votes after transfers, they win.

• Surplus votes are transferred to second preferences, ensuring majority representation.

Example Scenario:

• Total MPs: 776

• Required votes to win: ~389

• If no one reaches initially, votes are redistributed based on preference, which makes alliance coordination crucial.

6. Historical Context

Understanding the history of Vice Presidential elections helps to gauge political trends:

• Previous Elections: Jagdeep Dhankhar won in 2017.

• Trend: Traditionally, the ruling alliance has higher chances due to parliamentary majority, but opposition can create surprises through strategic alliances.

• Significance of Early Elections: Rarely occurs; shows political adaptability and alliance negotiations.

7. Timeline of the 2025 Election

Event	Date
NDA candidate announced	17th August 2025
INDIA alliance candidate announced	19th August 2025
Voting Day	9th September 2025
Result Declaration	10th September 2025 (Expected)

8. Regional Voting Insights

• South India: Key region, Radhakrishnan’s base; NDA has moderate strength.

• North India: BJP stronghold, crucial for NDA’s success.

• Eastern & Western States: Mixed influence; INDIA alliance hopes to gain strategic support.

Vote Distribution Strategy:

• Both alliances aim to leverage regional party influence.

• Independent MPs can act as kingmakers in closely contested states.

9. Potential Outcomes and Implications

9.1 NDA Victory

• Strengthens BJP’s legislative control.

• Ensures smooth functioning of NDA-backed bills in Rajya Sabha.

• Signals regional inclusion strategy (South India representation).

9.2 INDIA Alliance Victory

• Marks opposition unity success.

• May influence debate dynamics and slow NDA-backed legislation.

• Sends a political message on alliance coordination for upcoming national elections.

10. Expert Opinions and Analysis

Political analysts suggest:

• NDA Advantage: Due to current parliamentary majority.

• Opposition Chances: Rely on strategic alliances and transferring second-preference votes.

• Judicial vs Political Image: Sudarshan Reddy may attract MPs seeking neutrality over party alignment.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can Vice President influence laws?
Yes, as Rajya Sabha Chairperson, they moderate debates, approve agendas, and guide committee proceedings.

Q2: How is voting conducted?
Voting is secret ballot, using single transferable vote.

Q3: Who votes in this election?
Elected MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha form the electoral college.

Q4: What if no candidate gets majority votes?
Votes are redistributed based on second preference until one candidate gets majority.

Q5: Does the Vice President belong to a political party after election?
While often affiliated before election, the Vice President is expected to remain neutral in parliamentary duties.

12. Conclusion

The Vice Presidential Election 2025 is more than just a vote count. It reflects:

• Political alliances and their negotiation power

• Regional representation and strategic influence

• Legislative control over Rajya Sabha

• Democratic processes in action

Whether C. P. Radhakrishnan or B. Sudarshan Reddy wins, this election will have long-lasting impacts on Indian politics, governance, and parliamentary functioning.