The upcoming Vice Presidential election on September 9, 2025, presents a significant challenge for the opposition INDIA bloc. Following the unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, the opposition faces an uphill battle against the ruling NDA, which holds a majority in the electoral college comprising members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Challenges for the Opposition

The primary challenge for the opposition lies in the numbers. The NDA has a clear advantage in the electoral college. As Shashi Tharoor of the Congress party noted, the composition of the electorate, consisting of the two houses of Parliament, heavily favors the ruling party.

Another significant hurdle is to maintain unity within the INDIA bloc. In the 2022 Vice Presidential election, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) abstained from voting, expressing dissatisfaction with the Congress party's choice of Margaret Alva as the opposition candidate, alleging a lack of consultation. The opposition recognizes the need to avoid repeating past mistakes and present a united front this time. Rahul Gandhi has invited leaders of the INDIA Alliance for a meeting on August 7 to discuss the Vice Presidential election and decide on a candidate.

Finding a suitable candidate is another critical challenge. The opposition seeks a nominee who can embody a strong "ideological" face to counter the NDA. Some seasoned opposition leaders, such as Sharad Pawar and Farooq Abdullah, are unlikely contenders, as they had declined offers for the 2022 Presidential ticket.

Opposition Strategy

Despite the unfavorable numbers, the INDIA bloc is determined to contest the election to send a strong political message. The opposition aims to make the election interesting by fielding a strong candidate. The goal is to portray a compelling alternative to the NDA's vision for the country.

The opposition plans to announce its nominee after the NDA declares its candidate. This approach allows the INDIA bloc to strategize and select a candidate who can best represent their collective ideology and challenge the ruling party's narrative. The opposition is also keen on using Dhankhar's unceremonious exit to target the BJP.

Potential Candidates

While the NDA has several potential candidates, including Harivansh Narayan Singh, Nitish Kumar, and Ram Nath Thakur, the opposition's choice remains uncertain. The INDIA bloc is likely to consider candidates who can garner broad support across different parties and represent a cohesive ideological stance. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the INDIA bloc will "collectively take a decision" for the upcoming Vice-President election.

Electoral Process

The Vice President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The election is conducted using a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote and secret ballot. The Election Commission of India (ECI) oversees the election process. The ECI has announced that the 17th Vice-Presidential election will be held on September 9, 2025. The official notification will be issued on August 7, and candidates can file nomination papers until August 21.

Conclusion

The Vice Presidential election presents a formidable challenge for the opposition INDIA bloc. While the NDA holds a numerical advantage, the opposition is determined to put up a fight and convey a strong political message. By focusing on unity, strategic candidate selection, and highlighting ideological differences, the opposition aims to make the election a meaningful contest. The election's outcome will depend on the opposition's ability to overcome these challenges and present a compelling alternative to the ruling NDA.