India’s Parliament is voting today to elect the country’s next Vice President, following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation in July. The election, conducted through a secret ballot, involves all elected members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, along with nominated Rajya Sabha members.
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra and former BJP legislator, while the opposition INDIA bloc has put forward retired Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy. Analysts say Radhakrishnan is the frontrunner, given the NDA’s strong parliamentary presence.
Polling began at 10am and will continue until 5pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast the first vote, a customary practice, followed by key NDA leaders including Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari. Opposition figures, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, have also participated.
Several regional parties have opted to abstain. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) cited farmers’ distress in Telangana, criticizing both central and state governments for inaction. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) emphasized neutrality to focus on Odisha’s development, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) highlighted Punjab’s flood-related challenges as a reason to abstain.
The Vice President, the second-highest constitutional office in India, serves as the Rajya Sabha Chairman and acts as President when required. Today’s election carries political weight, reflecting alliances and strength in Parliament.
With the NDA’s numbers, C.P. Radhakrishnan is expected to secure victory. The Election Commission will announce the results after polling concludes, determining India’s next Vice President and signaling the balance of power in the nation’s legislature.
