Is a Surprise Nominee on the Cards for India’s Vice President?

India is gearing up for the 17th Vice Presidential election scheduled for September 9, 2025, following the early resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar due to health issues. The election is to fill the vacancy at the earliest, with the last date for filing nominations set as August 21, 2025. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), holding a comfortable majority in Parliament, is expected to announce its candidate imminently, with several prominent names being discussed.

 

Key Highlights of the Vice Presidential Election and NDA Candidate Selection:

The Election Commission of India has formally announced the election schedule, with scrutiny of nominations on August 22 and the last date for withdrawal on August 25. Polling, if necessary, will be held on September 9.

 

The Vice President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament, including nominated members from the Rajya Sabha, by secret ballot. The candidate must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, qualified for Rajya Sabha election, and must not hold any office of profit.

 

The NDA, after a meeting held under Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's chairmanship, authorized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President JP Nadda to finalize the alliance’s candidate, signaling consensus leadership in the ruling coalition.

 

Media reports suggest that the NDA’s nominee is likely to be a surprise choice, with preference for a candidate possessing deep parliamentary experience and a non-controversial public profile to efficiently chair the Rajya Sabha as the ex-officio Vice President.

 

Among names speculated are sitting and former state governors, including those from Gujarat, Karnataka, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, and Goa. A former woman BJP MP from an Other Backward Classes (OBC) background is also considered a potential candidate, reflecting a possible agenda for women empowerment following President Droupadi Murmu’s election.

 

The opposition bloc INDIA plans to field a joint candidate, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge actively coordinating allies to forge a consensus, signaling a potentially contested election.

 

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on July 21, 2025, after reported friction with the central government, led to the early election, the first such mid-term election since 1987.

 

Context and Political Implications:

The Vice Presidency is not only a constitutional post but also the chair of the Rajya Sabha, important for the smooth functioning of the Upper House. Hence, parliamentary acumen and neutrality are key candidate attributes.

 

The NDA’s commanding majority in Parliament, with around 422 MPs out of an effective strength of 781, makes its candidate the frontrunner to win, though the opposition contest aims to send a political message of unity and challenge.

 

Official announcements of the NDA candidate are expected imminently, likely ahead of the August 21 nomination deadline, following high-profile consultations involving the Prime Minister and BJP leadership.

 

The election outcome will influence the political balance and legislative process in the Rajya Sabha over the next five years.

 

Election Schedule at a Glance:

In summary, the Vice Presidential election scheduled for September 9, 2025, has activated intense political maneuvering within the NDA to finalize and announce a candidate with strong parliamentary credentials and broad acceptance. The opposition INDIA bloc is coordinating to present a unified contender. The election is set to define leadership in the Rajya Sabha amid continuing political dynamics post the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.

 

Source: Election Commission of India; Live Hindustan; The New Indian Express; Nagaland Tribune; Times of India; Hindustan Times; PIB