The upcoming Vice Presidential election 2025 is just a day away, and preparations are in full swing in New Delhi. On Monday, Shiv Sena parliamentary group leader Dr Shrikant Shinde called a meeting of all Shiv Sena MPs at his residence in Delhi at 12:30 pm. The meeting comes a day before the crucial election scheduled for September 9.
The election will see a contest between CP Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate and current Governor of Maharashtra, and Justice (Retd.) B Sudershan Reddy, who has been backed by the opposition INDIA bloc. This election is important as it will decide who takes charge of the second-highest constitutional post in the country.
Dr Shrikant Shinde, who is leading the Shiv Sena’s coordination for the polls, has asked all party MPs to reach Delhi by Sunday night itself so that everyone is available for the Monday meeting. He stressed that the meeting is not only to discuss voting but also to ensure that Shiv Sena gives maximum support to the NDA’s nominee, CP Radhakrishnan.
In his statement, Shinde confirmed that he is closely monitoring the election process. He has already briefed his party’s MPs about the voting procedure and the precautions they need to follow. Since the election involves a secret ballot system, correct understanding of the process is essential to avoid any invalid votes.
This preparation shows the seriousness with which the party is approaching the Vice Presidential election. With Shiv Sena already officially declaring its support for CP Radhakrishnan under the leadership of party chief and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the meeting is aimed at maintaining discipline and unity among the MPs.
The NDA is hopeful of securing a clear majority in the election with the backing of its allies. Still, Dr Shrikant Shinde’s active involvement ensures that every vote counts.
The Vice Presidential post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health reasons. The election is governed by the Constitution and specific legal provisions.
Under Articles 64 and 68 of the Constitution, the Vice President is elected through an electoral college that includes members of both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). However, unlike the Presidential election, only MPs participate in the Vice Presidential election—state assemblies do not have a role.
As per Article 66(1) of the Constitution, the election of the Vice President is conducted through the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. Voting is carried out by a secret ballot, ensuring that MPs cast their votes freely.
The Election Commission notifies the schedule of the Vice Presidential election under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952. Once the results are declared, the newly elected Vice President assumes office for a term of five years.
Union Minister SP Singh Baghel recently suggested that a mock drill should be held before the election to help first-time MPs understand the voting method. He explained that many new MPs might not know whether the vote is conducted through a ballot paper or an electronic system. A practice session, according to him, would prevent mistakes and reduce the number of invalid votes.
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The Vice Presidential election is therefore not just a matter of procedure but also of political coordination. For the NDA, securing the support of allies like Shiv Sena is crucial for a smooth victory. For the INDIA bloc, fielding Justice (Retd.) Sudershan Reddy shows its intention to put up a fight, even if the numbers are against them.
This election will determine who takes charge as the Vice President of India, a role that is significant as the VP also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. With the upper house playing an important role in lawmaking and debates, the presence of an experienced Vice President ensures smoother functioning of parliamentary proceedings.
As the election day approaches, both sides are preparing carefully. The Shiv Sena meeting under Dr Shrikant Shinde’s guidance reflects the NDA’s strategy to ensure unity and accuracy in voting. The contest between CP Radhakrishnan and B Sudershan Reddy is being watched closely, but with the numbers in its favour, the NDA remains confident of victory.
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