The stage is set for the election of India’s 15th Vice President today, with members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha voting to choose between NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan and INDIA bloc nominee Justice B. Sudershan Reddy.
The high-stakes contest follows the sudden resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in July, citing health reasons. Voting will be held from 10 am to 5 pm in Room No. F-101, Vasudha, Parliament House, with results expected later this evening. Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody will serve as the returning officer.
The Candidates
-
CP Radhakrishnan (NDA): Maharashtra Governor, veteran BJP leader, two-time MP from Coimbatore during the Vajpayee era, and former Jharkhand Governor.
-
Justice B. Sudershan Reddy (INDIA bloc): Former Supreme Court judge (2007–2011), first Lokayukta of Goa, known for landmark judgments including declaring the Salwa Judum anti-Maoist militia unconstitutional.
The Numbers Game
The electoral college for the Vice Presidential election consists of 788 members of Parliament (543 Lok Sabha + 233 elected Rajya Sabha + 12 nominated Rajya Sabha). Currently, there are 781 members due to vacancies.
The victory mark is 391 votes, and the BJP-led NDA, with the backing of allies like JD(U), TDP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, commands the support of about 422 MPs, giving Radhakrishnan a comfortable edge.
The INDIA bloc has consolidated support from Congress, DMK, RJD, JMM, TMC, Left parties, AAP, and AIMIM. However, several key players — including Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) — have opted to abstain, further strengthening NDA’s position.
While the Vice President does not receive a separate salary, he is paid ₹4 lakh per month in his capacity as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The office also comes with perks such as free official residence, medical facilities, travel privileges, staff, and security.
The Vice President is India’s second-highest constitutional authority and presides over the Rajya Sabha, playing a crucial role in maintaining order and conducting legislative business.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the first to cast his vote this morning, followed by MPs from Punjab and Haryana.
