The Election Commission on Friday announced that the election for the post of Vice President will be held on September 9. The notification for the election will be issued on August 7, and nominations can be filed until August 21. The results will also be declared on the same day as the election.
The Vice President is elected by the Electoral College comprising members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, citing health issues. However, speculation suggests a breakdown of trust between him and the Centre, particularly over his stance on the impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma, may have played a role. According to Clause 2 of Article 68 of the Constitution, the office of the Vice President must be filled as soon as it becomes vacant—whether due to death, resignation, or removal. The newly elected Vice President will serve a full five-year term, irrespective of the predecessor’s remaining tenure.
With the ruling party in majority, it holds an advantage in the upcoming poll. Currently, the Lok Sabha has one vacant seat (Basirhat, West Bengal), and five seats are vacant in the Rajya Sabha—primarily from Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. A VP candidate requires 391 votes to secure victory.
