The INDIA bloc is set to field a joint candidate in the upcoming vice-presidential elections, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge actively reaching out to opposition parties to build consensus on a suitable nominee. Despite acknowledging that the opposition lacks the numerical strength to secure a win, the INDIA bloc aims to put up a strong contest against the BJP-led NDA.

The decision to field a joint candidate was reached during a dinner meeting of the INDIA bloc leaders hosted by Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. This marked the first physical meeting of the INDIA bloc partners in over a year. The meeting saw participation from key leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Abhishek Banerjee, Derek O'Brien, Akhilesh Yadav, Kanimozhi, Uddhav Thackeray, and Supriya Sule.

Sources indicate that backchannel discussions are underway among INDIA bloc partners to deliberate on potential candidates, with Kharge playing a crucial role in reaching out to opposition parties to explore names and build a consensus. While there hasn't been a structured discussion on picking a candidate, there's a general sentiment within the bloc that they should not shy away from a contest, aiming to send a strong political message regardless of the outcome.

Several factors are likely to influence the selection of the INDIA bloc's vice-presidential candidate. Some leaders believe that the opposition should finalize their candidate after the BJP announces its pick. The INDIA bloc is considering nominating a non-Congress candidate to unite all opposition parties and maximize anti-BJP votes. Some suggest the possibility of an "eminent personality" from outside the political arena. It is also speculated that the INDIA bloc is keen on selecting a candidate who is non-political and preferably has strong academic credentials.

The decision to contest the vice-presidential election comes at a time when the INDIA bloc is emphasizing unity and vowing to fight against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, alleging poll rigging. During the meeting hosted by Rahul Gandhi, leaders vowed to fight the electoral rolls' revision in Bihar and what they described as the "vote chori model" of the BJP-Election Commission. Rahul Gandhi made a presentation on "vote chori" (vote stealing), presenting findings from the Congress's analysis of an Assembly segment in Karnataka. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav briefed the leaders about the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and claimed a “fraud” was happening in the state. He also extended an invitation to all coalition leaders to attend the conclusion of a protest program in Bihar organized by the INDIA bloc.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah urged the opposition to keep pressure on the government to restore Statehood for J&K. He highlighted the lack of representation for J&K in the Rajya Sabha and the vacant seats in the State Assembly that are yet to be filled.

The Election Commission has already started preparations for the vice-presidential elections. The last date for filing nominations is August 21. The vice-presidential election is scheduled for September 9.