The sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, citing health reasons, has left a significant vacancy in Indian politics. The Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson, Harivansh Narayan Singh, is currently acting as the presiding officer of the Upper House. However, the question dominating political circles is — who will fill the Vice President’s chair?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) must conduct the vice-presidential election within 60 days, which means the new Vice President will be chosen by September 19. But unlike general elections, this is not a vote by the public. It is an indirect election conducted among all Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Vice President is chosen through proportional representation using a single transferable vote, which ensures that the winner secures majority support even if the initial vote count is close.
The election process involves a specific formula. Each MP has one vote but can rank candidates in order of preference. To win, a candidate must cross a pre-set quota, calculated by dividing the total valid votes by two and adding one. If no candidate achieves this quota in the first round, the one with the least first-preference votes is eliminated. The votes of the eliminated candidate are then redistributed based on second preferences, and this continues until one candidate secures the majority.
Under the current strength of Parliament, there are 782 MPs eligible to vote, with six seats vacant. Therefore, the "magic number" to win the vice-presidential election stands at 392 votes. Any candidate who achieves this number of votes, whether in the first round or after redistributions, will be declared elected.
The Vice President’s role is not merely ceremonial. As the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President holds significant responsibility in guiding legislative debates, resolving disputes, and ensuring that parliamentary proceedings run smoothly. With general elections approaching next year, this position becomes even more crucial, as the Rajya Sabha is often the battleground for contentious bills and discussions.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) currently enjoys a strong numerical advantage in Parliament. Unless the Opposition, particularly the INDIA bloc, puts forward a united candidate with broad support from regional parties and independents, the NDA nominee is likely to win comfortably.
Political analysts believe that the Opposition faces a tough challenge in building consensus. While the INDIA bloc may try to push a symbolic candidate to rally its base, their fragmented numbers make it hard to cross the 392-vote threshold without external support. On the other hand, the BJP and its allies are well-positioned to nominate a candidate who aligns with their broader political and legislative strategy.
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The upcoming election will not only determine who occupies the Vice President’s office but will also serve as a political litmus test ahead of the 2026 general elections. A smooth win for the NDA would signal its continued dominance, while a surprise Opposition victory could boost morale and alter political calculations.
The process leading up to the election is already in motion. The ECI will soon issue an official notification announcing the schedule. After that, nominations will be filed, and political alliances will finalize their candidates. The MPs will cast their votes on the appointed day, and the results will be declared shortly after the counting is completed. The newly elected Vice President will then be sworn in to take charge of their constitutional duties.
The Vice President’s office has always been more than a ceremonial post. In times of political turbulence, the Vice President plays a critical role in maintaining order in the Rajya Sabha and ensuring that parliamentary rules are upheld. The Vice President’s ability to act impartially is vital for democratic debate and governance.
Given the current political climate, the choice of the next Vice President could influence how contentious policies and bills are handled in the Upper House. It will also reflect the broader political equation between the ruling coalition and the Opposition.
While Dhankhar’s resignation citing health reasons has sparked curiosity and speculation, the focus now shifts to who will succeed him. Whether the NDA tightens its grip or the Opposition pulls off an unexpected alliance, the election will set the tone for the months ahead.
The countdown to September 19 has begun, and all eyes are on the names that will emerge in this high-stakes race.
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