Vice Presidential elections today: NDA eyes win, INDIA bloc tests unity

By Admin

09 Sep, 2025

The nation’s political focus turns to Parliament House today as Members of Parliament gather to elect India’s 14th Vice President. The contest, coming fifty days after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on July 21 due to health reasons, sets the stage for a test of strength between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc.

The Contest Begins

Voting for the Vice Presidential election begins at 10 am, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi casting the first ballot before departing for flood-hit Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Polling continues until 5 pm, after which counting will commence, and by nightfall, India will have its new Vice President and Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

This year’s election pits NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan against the INDIA bloc’s nominee, retired Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy.

How the Numbers Line Up

The electoral college comprises 781 MPs 238 from the Rajya Sabha and 542 from the Lok Sabha. With abstentions by the BRS and BJD, the effective strength drops to 770, fixing the majority mark at 386.

On paper, the NDA commands 425 MPs, bolstered by YSR Congress Party’s 11 MPs and AAP’s Swati Maliwal, raising its tally to 436. The INDIA bloc enters the contest with 324 MPs. A few independents and regional parties remain non-committal, while the Shiromani Akali Dal has opted out citing Punjab’s flood crisis.

The arithmetic points to an NDA victory, though analysts expect a narrower margin around 100–125 votes compared to Jagdeep Dhankhar’s 346-vote win over Margaret Alva in 2022. Both camps remain vigilant against cross-voting, as the secret ballot allows MPs to vote without party whips.

The Process and Stakes

The election follows proportional representation through a single transferable vote. MPs must mark preferences clearly using numerals, as ambiguous markings or identity hints will void a ballot. Special provisions allow jailed MPs Sheikh Abdul Rashid and Amritpal Singh to cast postal ballots.

The outcome holds significance beyond numbers. The Vice President presides over the Rajya Sabha, where the NDA lacks an outright majority. A decisive win would boost NDA’s authority, while a reduced margin could strengthen the INDIA bloc’s morale heading into the next parliamentary session.

Candidates in Focus

CP Radhakrishnan, 68, represents the NDA with a legacy of political loyalty and symbolic presence. A two-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore, he remains the only BJP leader from Tamil Nadu to achieve that distinction. Currently serving as Governor of Maharashtra, he hails from the Gounder-Kongu Vellalar OBC community.

Justice B Sudershan Reddy, 79, brings judicial gravitas as the INDIA bloc’s choice. Known for landmark judgments including declaring Salwa Judum unconstitutional and pushing for stringent black-money probes he is projected as a voice for justice and accountability.

What to Watch Out For

While the NDA appears headed for victory, the INDIA bloc’s determined challenge ensures this contest is no mere formality. A slimmer margin or unexpected cross-voting could alter the political narrative. For the NDA, every ballot matters reinforcing its Rajya Sabha position requires a strong show, while the opposition aims to demonstrate its growing unity and relevance.

Conclusion

As ballot boxes open and counting unfolds, today’s Vice Presidential election is more than a constitutional exercise. It is a political moment that will shape alliances, signal parliamentary dynamics, and set the tone for the months ahead. By tonight, India will not only know its new Vice President but also gain insight into the shifting balance of power in its democracy.