India is set to conduct an early vice presidential election on September 9, 2025, following the unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, due to health concerns. This unprecedented development marks only the second time in India’s democratic history that a sitting Vice President has resigned from office, creating a constitutional vacancy that demands immediate attention.
Dhankhar, aged 74, cited health reasons and the need to follow medical advice in his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, which came into effect immediately under Article 67(a) of the Constitution. The vice presidential election becomes crucial as it will determine who assumes one of India’s most significant constitutional positions during a critical period in the nation’s political landscape.
The upcoming vice presidential election presents a compelling contest between two distinguished candidates from South India, each bringing unique qualifications and political backing.
NDA’s Champion: C.P. Radhakrishnan
The National Democratic Alliance has nominated C.P. Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra, as announced by BJP National President J.P. Nadda. Born on October 20, 1957, Radhakrishnan brings extensive political and administrative experience to the vice presidential election race.
His political journey spans decades of service within the Bharatiya Janata Party, where he previously served as the Tamil Nadu state president. His nomination strategically positions the BJP to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu politics, with the party carefully building a narrative of inclusion ahead of the 2026 state elections. The vice presidential election candidacy represents the culmination of Radhakrishnan’s distinguished career in public service.
Opposition’s Judicial Expertise: B. Sudarshan Reddy
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance has fielded retired Supreme Court Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, bringing judicial gravitas to the vice presidential election. Born on July 8, 1946, in Ranga Reddy district of present-day Telangana, Justice Reddy began his legal career in 1971 and served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court before his tenure at the Supreme Court.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced Justice Reddy’s candidature after a crucial alliance meeting in New Delhi, with the nomination filing scheduled for August 21. His judicial background and extensive legal expertise position him as a formidable candidate in this vice presidential election.
The vice presidential election follows a unique electoral system where members of both houses of Parliament cast their votes. With the NDA enjoying a numerical advantage in the current Parliament composition, the electoral mathematics appear to favour their candidate. However, the vice presidential election often transcends party lines, with cross-voting possibilities influencing the outcome.
Out of 46 initial applicants for the vice presidential election, only C.P. Radhakrishnan and Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy cleared the scrutiny process, setting up a direct contest between the two major political coalitions. This streamlined candidate field ensures a focused campaign period leading up to the September 9 vice presidential election.
The vice presidential election assumes extraordinary importance given India’s current political climate. This marks the first early election for the vice president’s office since 1987, highlighting the exceptional circumstances surrounding Dhankhar’s resignation. The Vice President serves as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, making this vice presidential election crucial for parliamentary proceedings and legislative business.
The constitutional framework governing the vice presidential election ensures democratic legitimacy through representation from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha members. This process maintains the balance between federal and state interests, as the Vice President plays a vital role in India’s bicameral legislative system.
Both candidates in the vice presidential election represent South Indian states, reflecting the region’s growing political influence in national affairs. Radhakrishnan’s Tamil Nadu background provides the NDA with an opportunity to expand its southern footprint, while Justice Reddy’s Telangana origins offer the INDIA alliance a chance to consolidate support in the Deccan region.
Also Read: The Vice Presidential election 2025
More Information on Jagdeep Dhankar’s Resignation
The vice presidential election campaigns will likely focus on constitutional expertise, administrative experience, and regional representation. Each candidate brings distinct advantages: Radhakrishnan’s executive experience as Governor contrasts with Justice Reddy’s judicial background and constitutional interpretation skills.
This vice presidential election occurs at a pivotal moment in Indian democracy, with significant implications for the nation’s constitutional framework. The new Vice President will assume office during challenging times, requiring steady leadership and deep constitutional understanding to navigate complex parliamentary situations.
The vice presidential election outcome will influence Rajya Sabha proceedings, particularly given the current political composition and ongoing legislative priorities. The winner must demonstrate impartiality while presiding over upper house sessions, maintaining democratic traditions and parliamentary dignity.
The vice presidential election will be held on September 9, with results announced the same day, bringing a swift resolution to this constitutional transition. The electoral process represents democracy in action, showcasing India’s robust constitutional mechanisms for filling crucial offices.
As India approaches this historic vice presidential election, both candidates prepare for a contest that will shape the nation’s constitutional leadership for years to come. The September 9 vice presidential election stands as a testament to Indian democracy’s resilience and adaptability in addressing unprecedented constitutional challenges.
