New Delhi,Sep.09,2025:Vice Presidential Election 2025 is underway, marking a significant milestone in Indian politics. Following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation in July, prompted by health concerns, a new election—via secret ballot among MPs—is being held to fill the nation’s second-highest constitutional office. This contest not only determines the successor but could also shape Parliament’s tone and constitutional symbolism for years to come.
Voting Begins—Modi Casts First Vote
Voting for the Vice Presidential Election 2025 commenced on September 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the new Parliament building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines by being the first to cast his vote.
Candidates in the Ring- Radhakrishnan vs. Sudershan Reddy
The ruling NDA has nominated C P Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra and a seasoned BJP leader. The INDIA bloc countered with Justice (Retd.) B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge representing a constitutional and principled vision.
Political Abstentions That Could Shift Margins
Three parties—BRS, BJD, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)—have chosen to abstain from voting. Collectively, they account for 14 MPs (4 BRS, 7 BJD, and 3 SAD). BRS cited farmers’ distress, especially a urea shortage in Telangana, for their decision. BJD emphasized Odisha’s development as their priority, distancing themselves from both alliances.
These abstentions may dent the NDA’s potential vote margin—it reduces the total voter base and lowers the majority threshold.
Tactical Dynamics- Strategy, Criticism & Controversies
Strategic Positioning
- NDA insiders are confident—multiple BJP leaders foresee a “thumping majority” victory for Radhakrishnan.
- The Opposition rehearsed a mock vote to maintain unity and reduce voting errors.
Controversial Exchanges
- BJP attacked Reddy for meeting RJD’s Lalu Prasad Yadav, a convicted leader, labeling it “hypocrisy” and drawing legal censure.
- Reddy responded, arguing MPs should vote according to conscience—“there cannot be a party whip” for this election.
Why Radhakrishnan Has the Edge
In a Parliament of 781 MPs (with vacancies), the magic number to win is 391. NDA reportedly has support from 425 MPs, bolstered by YSRCP’s 11-member backing, raising their tally to 436. In contrast, Reddy must consolidate support from INDIA bloc and sympathetic parties—yet, even with full opposition backing, the margin looks narrow.
Abstentions and potential cross-voting could narrow this gap, but Radhakrishnan remains the clear favorite.
Why This Election Is More Than Just a Result
Beyond numbers, the Vice Presidential Election 2025 symbolizes deeper ideological and institutional undercurrents:
- The vice president also serves as Rajya Sabha Chair and acting president when needed.
- Reddy portrays the contest as a battle for constitutional conscience, pledging institutional sanctity and democratic reflection.
- Radhakrishnan positions his victory as a triumph of Indian nationalism and unity, signaling ideological consolidation.
What to Watch, and What Comes Next
As voting proceeds until 5 p.m., the counting is slated to begin at 6 p.m. with results due later today. Though NDA’s numerical dominance suggests victory for Radhakrishnan, the precise margin and any surprises (from cross-voting or abstainers) will be telling.
The outcome will impact Rajya Sabha leadership, institutional balance, and set the tone for India’s evolving political contours.
