The 2025 Vice Presidential election in India, held on September 9, 2025, has captured national attention as a significant political event, marking the selection of the country’s 15th Vice President. Triggered by the unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, citing health concerns, the election pits the ruling National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan, against the opposition INDIA bloc’s nominee, B. Sudershan Reddy. With 781 Members of Parliament (MPs) forming the electoral college, the election has been framed as both a numerical contest and an ideological battle. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, candidate profiles, political dynamics, and implications of the election, drawing from recent reports as of September 9, 2025.
Election Overview and Process
The Vice Presidential election, governed by Article 66 of the Indian Constitution, is conducted through an electoral college comprising 781 MPs—542 from the Lok Sabha and 239 from the Rajya Sabha, including 12 nominated members. Unlike other parliamentary votes, political parties cannot issue whips, and voting occurs via secret ballot, allowing MPs to vote according to their conscience. Each MP ranks candidates by marking “1” next to their preferred choice, using Indian numerals, Roman numerals, or any Indian language, but not words. The winning candidate requires a simple majority of valid votes (at least 391, excluding vacancies and abstentions). If no candidate achieves a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on subsequent preferences until a winner emerges. Polling took place from 10 AM to 5 PM on September 9 in Room No. F-101, Vasudha, Parliament House, with counting beginning at 6 PM under the supervision of Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody, the returning officer.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the election schedule on August 1, 2025, setting August 7 as the notification date, August 21 as the deadline for nominations, August 22 for scrutiny, and August 25 for withdrawal. The ECI emphasized secrecy, prohibiting MPs from showing ballots, and introduced eco-friendly measures like biodegradable materials for polling. The electoral college list, organized alphabetically by state and Union Territory, was finalized and made available for ₹100.
Candidates and Their Backgrounds
The NDA nominated C.P. Radhakrishnan, a 67-year-old seasoned politician and the current Maharashtra Governor. Radhakrishnan, hailing from Tamil Nadu, served as a two-term Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure (1998–2004) and led the Tamil Nadu BJP from 2004 to 2007, strengthening the party’s presence in the south. Known for his legislative acumen and commitment to social empowerment, Radhakrishnan’s nomination reflects the NDA’s strategy to leverage regional pride, particularly in Tamil Nadu, while emphasizing his administrative experience as a governor and former MP. Before the election, Radhakrishnan visited the Shree Ram Mandir in Delhi to offer prayers, signaling cultural alignment with the BJP’s ideology. He expressed confidence in a “big victory for Indian nationalism,” aligning his candidacy with the NDA’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
The INDIA bloc fielded B. Sudershan Reddy, a 79-year-old former Supreme Court judge who retired in July 2011. Reddy, a native of Andhra Pradesh, is celebrated for landmark rulings, including those compelling the government to investigate black money stashed abroad, a key issue in the BJP’s 2014 campaign. As the first former Supreme Court judge to contest the Vice Presidential election, Reddy’s candidacy underscores the opposition’s focus on constitutionalism and social justice. In a video message to MPs, Reddy urged them to vote for the “soul of the country,” framing the election as a defense of democratic values. He dismissed speculation about cross-voting, stating, “I am only trying to awaken people’s conscience,” and expressed confidence in his victory despite the NDA’s numerical advantage.
Political Dynamics and Alliances
The NDA holds a clear numerical edge with 293 Lok Sabha seats and 133 Rajya Sabha seats, totaling 426 MPs, bolstered by support from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which has pledged to back Radhakrishnan. However, abstentions by three regional parties—Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)—have reduced the effective electoral college to approximately 770 MPs, lowering the majority threshold to 386 votes. The BJD and BRS cited state-specific issues, such as floods in Odisha and urea shortages in Telangana, for their abstentions, while the SAD highlighted the central government’s inadequate response to Punjab’s flood crisis. These abstentions reflect regional parties’ efforts to prioritize local concerns over national alliances.
The INDIA bloc, led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, has framed the election as an ideological battle, emphasizing Reddy’s judicial record and commitment to constitutional values. Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury criticized the BRS for not supporting Reddy, a “Telugu man” who served Telangana, accusing the party of aligning with the BJP in Delhi despite regional posturing. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi claimed some NDA MPs might vote for Reddy due to his impeccable credentials, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took a swipe at the BJP, calling it a “use-and-throw party” and suggesting Dhankhar’s resignation was strategic. CPI Rajya Sabha MP P. Sandosh Kumar predicted a close contest, estimating a margin of less than 100 votes, compared to Dhankhar’s 207-vote victory in 2022.
The NDA’s choice of Radhakrishnan has created a dilemma for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a key INDIA bloc ally. Supporting a Tamil Nadu native like Radhakrishnan risks contradicting the DMK’s anti-BJP stance, but rejecting him could be portrayed as disrespecting Tamil pride, especially with the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections looming. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran have urged DMK to back Radhakrishnan, intensifying pressure. Similarly, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) faces a choice between supporting the NDA’s Tamil candidate or the INDIA bloc’s Andhra Pradesh nominee, with TDP leader Nara Lokesh affirming the party’s commitment to the NDA.
Context of Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation
The election was necessitated by Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation on July 21, 2025, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Dhankhar cited health concerns in his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing gratitude for her support. However, sources suggest his decision was influenced by tensions with the government, particularly over his refusal to align with the NDA’s stance on the impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma. The opposition had previously accused Dhankhar of partisan conduct as Rajya Sabha Chairman, submitting a notice for his removal, a historic first in India’s parliamentary history. Dhankhar’s exit, described as a “shock” by the ECI, prompted swift action to organize the election, as the Constitution mandates filling such vacancies promptly.
Campaign and Pre-Election Developments
Both the NDA and INDIA bloc held meetings on September 8, 2025, to brief MPs and conduct mock polls, ensuring familiarity with the voting process. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast the first vote at 10 AM on September 9, followed by prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and H.D. Deve Gowda. The NDA emphasized Radhakrishnan’s unblemished record and experience, while the INDIA bloc highlighted Reddy’s judicial integrity and non-partisan credentials. Social media platforms like X have been abuzz with speculation, including unverified claims from users like @IshaVerma__ suggesting that TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu might back Reddy to pave the way for a no-confidence motion against the Modi government. Such claims remain inconclusive but reflect the high stakes of the election.
The opposition’s decision to field Reddy, a non-political figure, aims to project unity and challenge the BJP’s dominance, particularly after disruptions in the Monsoon Session over alleged poll irregularities. The NDA, confident in its numbers, has planned a parliamentary party meeting on September 10, where Modi is expected to address MPs, reinforcing the alliance’s strength.
Implications and Public Sentiment
The Vice Presidential election, while largely ceremonial, carries significant symbolic weight as the elected candidate will serve as Rajya Sabha Chairman, influencing legislative proceedings. Radhakrishnan’s potential victory would strengthen the BJP’s southern outreach, particularly in Tamil Nadu, while Reddy’s win would bolster the opposition’s narrative of defending democratic institutions. Public sentiment, as reflected on X, is polarized, with NDA supporters praising Radhakrishnan’s regional roots and the opposition lauding Reddy’s judicial legacy. The abstention of regional parties has sparked criticism, with some netizens accusing them of prioritizing local politics over national responsibility.
The election’s outcome could influence upcoming state elections in Bihar, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, where regional dynamics and coalition alignments are critical. A narrower-than-expected margin of victory for the NDA, as predicted by some sources, could embolden the opposition, while a decisive win would reinforce the BJP’s dominance.
Conclusion
The 2025 Vice Presidential election, held on September 9, 2025, is a pivotal moment in India’s political landscape, reflecting both numerical and ideological battles. With C.P. Radhakrishnan favored to win due to the NDA’s numerical advantage, the INDIA bloc’s B. Sudershan Reddy represents a principled challenge, emphasizing constitutional values over political loyalty. The election’s outcome, expected to be announced by the evening of September 9, will shape parliamentary dynamics and set the tone for future political contests. As India watches closely, the Vice Presidential race underscores the complexities of coalition politics, regional identities, and the enduring importance of democratic processes in the world’s largest democracy.
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