India's Parliament is poised to elect its next Vice President today, September 9, 2025, following the unexpected resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in July. The main contenders are C. P. Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra, representing the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and B. Sudershan Reddy, a retired Supreme Court judge, backed by the opposition's INDIA bloc.

The Candidates

• C. P. Radhakrishnan: A seasoned politician from Tamil Nadu, born in 1957, Radhakrishnan has a long history with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was a two-time Lok Sabha member from Coimbatore and has served on key parliamentary committees. Before becoming the Governor of Maharashtra in July 2024, he also served as the Governor of Jharkhand.
• B. Sudershan Reddy: Born in 1946 in Telangana, Reddy is a respected former Supreme Court judge known for his landmark rulings. He served as a Supreme Court judge from 2007 to 2011 and is known for judgments on human rights, taxation, and constitutional law. Landmark rulings include declaring Salwa Judum illegal and ordering probes into black money cases.

The Electoral College and Voting Process

The Vice President is chosen by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of Parliament. This includes 542 members from the Lok Sabha and 239 members from the Rajya Sabha, bringing the total electorate to 781. The election is conducted through a secret ballot, with each vote holding equal value. The system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote is used. To win, a candidate needs a majority of 391 votes. Voting will take place in the New Parliament Building.

Political Dynamics

The NDA, with approximately 427 votes, holds a numerical advantage in the electoral college. The support from parties outside the INDIA bloc, such as the YSR Congress Party, further solidifies the NDA's position. Parties like Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) are expected to abstain from voting. The opposition is framing the election as an "ideological battle" and urging members to vote based on conscience rather than party lines.

Election Timelines

• Voting: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Counting: to commence at 6 PM
• Result Announcement: Later in the evening

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be among the first to cast his vote. The election's outcome will determine India's 14th Vice President, who will also serve as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.