Vice-Presidential Election 2025 Begins in New Parliament
The Vice-Presidential Elections 2025 was officially started today, heralding one of the more anticipated political events of the year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the fighter voter when the polling began at the New Parliament Building, and was a powerful signal to starters.
This year’s election comes on the heels of the July unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar citing health reasons. Don’t forget, the Vice-President holds India’s second-highest constitutional office and is responsible for the role of Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. An election of this nature has serious implications for the balance of power in Parliament.
PM Modi’s First Vote in Vice-Presidential Election 2025
The standout moment during the morning session was when Prime Minister Modi was the first to cast his vote. His vote was not only ceremonial, it reinforced the importance of civic engagement and set the stage for the day’s activities. The Vice-Presidential Election is held via secret ballot whereby Members of Parliament mark their preference for one of two candidates.
Vice-Presidential Election 2025 Candidates
Two strong contenders are facing off in the Vice-Presidential Election 2025:
- C. P. Radhakrishnan, the NDA nominee and current Governor of Maharashtra, backed by the BJP-led coalition.
- Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy, fielded by the opposition INDIA bloc.
The contest reflects a direct clash between the NDA’s numerical strength in Parliament and the INDIA bloc’s attempt to project unity through a respected judicial figure.
Political Dynamics and Abstentions
While the NDA holds a comfortable majority, the election is not without its twists. Several key regional parties have decided to abstain from voting, reshaping the political landscape:
- BRS has chosen to abstain, citing farmers’ distress and the ongoing fertilizer crisis.
- BJD has opted for neutrality, distancing itself from both major blocs.
- Shiromani Akali Dal is abstaining in light of Punjab’s flood crisis and its strained ties with national parties
These abstentions reduce the total vote count, but they are unlikely to alter the overall advantage held by the NDA.
Strong Turnout in Parliament
There has been a relatively high turnout amongst Members of Parliament, especially given that some parties are not attending. By mid-afternoon, close to 96% of eligible MPs had already turned out to vote. Leaders from both NDA and INDIA blocs organized both strategy meetings and mock polls in advance to keep integrity and discipline within their respective parties before the official voting started.
Special Cases in Voting
Unique circumstances have added another layer of attention to the Vice-Presidential Election 2025.
- Jailed MPs, including Engineer Rashid, have sought legal approval to vote.
- MP Amritpal Singh, detained under the NSA, is participating via postal ballot.
These instances highlight how the election ensures representation even for members under extraordinary situations, reflecting the inclusivity of India’s democratic process.
Stakes for Parliament and Governance
The Vice-President, as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, makes this election particularly significant for the ruling coalition as the efficient running of the upper house is vital for new legislation to be passed and for a stable parliament.
If elected, C. P. Radhakrishnan will leverage political experience, and established relationships with the BJP leadership in the position; a win for Justice Reddy will provide a moral victory to the opposition and establish the INDIA bloc’s consensus around a common candidature.
Democracy in Action
The Vice-Presidential Election 2025 is more than a routine constitutional process—it reflects the current state of political alliances, parliamentary dynamics, and India’s democratic resilience. With PM Modi casting the first vote and MPs showing high participation, this election is unfolding as a historic and closely watched event.
