New Delhi, September 9: India is set to elect its 15th Vice President today in a closely watched contest between NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan and INDIA bloc nominee B. Sudershan Reddy. The election comes two months after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation, leaving the second-highest constitutional post vacant.
Who Are the Candidates For Vice President Election?
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has fielded CP Radhakrishnan, a seasoned BJP leader and current Governor of Maharashtra. He previously served as Governor of Jharkhand and was a two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era.
Challenging him is B. Sudershan Reddy, a retired Supreme Court judge known for several landmark verdicts, including the ruling declaring the Chhattisgarh government’s Salwa Judum militia unconstitutional. Reddy also briefly served as Goa’s first Lokayukta before stepping down.
When and Where Is the Voting?
The Vice Presidential election will be held on September 9, Tuesday, in Room No. F-101, Vasudha, Parliament House.
- Polling: 10 AM to 5 PM
- Counting: Immediately after voting closes
- Returning Officer: Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be among the first to cast his vote, along with MPs from Punjab and Haryana.
Who Votes in the Election?
The Vice President is elected by an electoral college of both Houses of Parliament:
- Rajya Sabha: 233 elected + 12 nominated
- Lok Sabha: 543 elected members
- Total strength: 788 members (currently 781 due to vacancies)
The victory mark stands at 391 votes.
What Do the Numbers Say?
The BJP-led NDA has a comfortable edge with around 422 MPs supporting Radhakrishnan, well above the halfway mark. Supporting parties include JD(U), TDP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP among others.
The INDIA bloc has rallied behind Sudershan Reddy with backing from Congress, DMK, TMC, RJD, Left parties, and AAP. AIMIM has also pledged support. Some regional players such as BJD, SAD, and BRS are likely to abstain.
Perks of the Vice President’s Office
Although the Vice President does not draw a separate salary, he receives a ₹4 lakh monthly salary as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The role also comes with official residence, staff, medical benefits, travel allowances, and security privileges.
Why It Matters
The election is not expected to spring a surprise, but it reflects the growing NDA-INDIA bloc rivalry ahead of the 2026 general elections. A Radhakrishnan win would reinforce the NDA’s dominance in Parliament, while a strong showing by Reddy would highlight opposition unity.
The results will be declared tonight, shaping the political narrative in the run-up to the next electoral battles.
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Vice President Election 2025
Q1. Who are the candidates in the Vice President election 2025?
The NDA has fielded CP Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra and senior BJP leader, while the INDIA bloc is backing former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy.
Q2. Who elects the Vice President of India?
The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members.
Q3. What is the majority mark required to win the Vice President election?
The victory mark is 391 votes, based on the current strength of 781 MPs in both Houses of Parliament.
Q4. What is the role of the Vice President of India?
The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional authority in India. He/she acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and takes over as Acting President if the office of the President falls vacant.
Q5. What is the salary of the Vice President of India?
The Vice President does not draw a separate salary but receives ₹4 lakh per month as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, along with allowances, residence, travel, and medical benefits.
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