The INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc is expected to announce its candidate for the Vice Presidential election on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Top leaders have been in consultation regarding potential nominees, with a meeting of all opposition parties in Parliament scheduled at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence. Following the meeting, an official announcement is anticipated.
Several names have been circulating as possible contenders. Among them is Mylswamy Annadurai, a former ISRO scientist who directed the Chandrayaan-1 mission. The name of Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson, Tushar Gandhi, has also been suggested. DMK MP Kanimozhi has reportedly been in contact with INDIA leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav, to advocate for her party's choice for the nomination. Sources indicate that DMK may prefer a Tamil candidate. Tiruchi Siva, DMK Rajya Sabha floor leader, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate.
The decision to field a candidate came after an online meeting of INDIA bloc leaders where they decided in principle to contest the Vice Presidential election. Mallikarjun Kharge has been authorized to speak with leaders such as Mamata Banerjee and Tejashwi Yadav to reach a consensus on a candidate.
The INDIA bloc seems determined to put up a fight in the Vice Presidential election, despite acknowledging the NDA's numerical advantage. Some within the opposition argue that not contesting the election would be a political misstep. The goal is to emphasize that the election will not be uncontested. However, some parties like RJD and Samajwadi Party had earlier expressed reservations, suggesting that the opposition should focus on upcoming state elections, such as the Bihar polls. SP also suggested focusing on the campaign against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The NDA has nominated CP Radhakrishnan, the governor of Maharashtra, as their Vice Presidential candidate. The YSR Congress, which is not aligned with either bloc, has announced that its 11 MPs will support Radhakrishnan. With this support, the NDA commands the support of 438 MPs in the electoral college of 782, while the INDIA bloc has 323. Some opposition leaders have criticized the NDA's choice, pointing out Radhakrishnan's background with the RSS.
The Vice Presidential election was prompted by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21. The Election Commission has set the polling date for September 9, with the vote count also scheduled for the same day. The deadline for filing nominations is August 21, and the deadline to withdraw nominations is August 25.
