Vice-Presidential Election 2025: ECI Finalizes Electoral College List After Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation
After Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar abruptly resigned on July 21, 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on July 31, 2025, that the electoral college list for the vice presidential election of 2025 had been finalized. The ECI is about to release the election schedule, and this development, which is required by Articles 324 and 66 of the Constitution, lays the groundwork for choosing India’s next vice president. In the face of international economic difficulties and political conjecture, this action demonstrates India’s dedication to preserving constitutional continuity. Here is a detailed examination of the procedure, its ramifications, and the future.
Electoral College and Election Process
Both elected and nominated members of the Lok Sabha (543 members) and Rajya Sabha (245 members), for a total of 788 MPs as of July 2025, make up the electoral college for the vice presidential election. Each MP’s vote in the vice presidential election has an equal value of one, in contrast to the presidential election where state legislators’ votes have weighted values. The election is held in Parliament House in New Delhi using a secret ballot and a proportional representation system with a single transferable vote.
In accordance with the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act of 1952 and the Rules of 1974, the ECI has finalized the list in a continuous serial order, alphabetically by state or Union Territory. When the election notification is released, which should happen soon, the list will be sold for Rs 50 at an ECI counter. Important procedural information consists of:
- • Nomination Requirements: Candidates must submit a Rs 15,000 security deposit and be proposed and seconded by a minimum of 20 electors each. On specified days, nominations are turned in between 11 AM and 3 PM to the Returning Officer (or, alternatively, the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
- • Voting Procedures: MPs use a special pen with a special ink to mark preferences; ballots marked in any other way are void. To ensure free choice, it is forbidden to display ballots or issue party whips.
- • Timeline: The election must be held by the ECI by September 19, 2025, or within 60 days of Dhankhar’s resignation. The statutory timeframe is 30 to 32 days after notification, which includes at least 15 days prior to voting, 14 days for nominations, 1 day for scrutiny, and 2 days for withdrawals.
After preferences are redistributed until a quota is reached, the victor must receive 50% of valid votes plus one. Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers have been appointed by the ECI, and vote counting will take place on the evening of the election day under close supervision.
Why Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigned
After being elected as India’s 14th vice president in August 2022, Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, 2025, citing health concerns in a letter to President Droupadi Murmu that read, “In accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately, to prioritize health care and abide by medical advice.” But the Congress party, led by Jairam Ramesh, claimed “far deeper reasons,” citing conflicts with the BJP’s plans for a similar motion in the Lok Sabha and Dhankhar’s decision to accept an opposition-sponsored impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court Judge Yashwant Varma in the Rajya Sabha.
Some saw Dhankhar’s strong opinions on issues like Sanatana Dharma and constitutional amendments, as well as his outspoken views on farmers’ protests and judicial corruption, as going beyond his authority as chairman of the Rajya Sabha. His divisive tenure was further highlighted by the rejection of an impeachment motion by 54 opposition MPs in December 2024. Although he wished Dhankhar well and acknowledged his service on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made no additional remarks.
Political and Strategic Implications
The resignation and the next election take place in the midst of both domestic and international issues, such as the US’s 25% tariffs on Indian goods that went into effect on August 1, 2025, which have caused market stress. The ECI’s prompt action upholds constitutional stability, which is essential to preserving the legitimacy of India’s government. The BJP, which controls a majority in the electoral college with 293 Lok Sabha and 112 Rajya Sabha seats and is supported by allies like JD(U) and TDP, is leading the NDA in this high-stakes election.
Manoj Sinha (J&K LG), VK Saxena (Delhi LG), Nitish Kumar (Bihar CM), and Harivansh Narayan Singh (Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, currently in charge of proceedings) are among the candidates that are being speculated about. Although its numbers indicate an uphill battle, the Congress-led INDIA bloc, which has 236 Lok Sabha and 87 Rajya Sabha seats, may put up a candidate to challenge the NDA.
The region’s representation in the electoral college is limited by the absence of Jammu and Kashmir’s four Rajya Sabha seats, which have been unoccupied since February 2021. This underscores the region’s continued difficulties with political integration following the repeal of Article 370. Regional dynamics have become even more complicated as a result of the National Conference-Congress coalition in J&K contesting the Lieutenant Governor’s nomination authority.
Economic turmoil surrounds the vice presidential election; on August 1, US tariffs caused the Nifty 50 and Sensex to drop 0.86% and 0.97%, respectively. The HSBC Manufacturing PMI falling to 58.1 and the RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 6.5% both indicate cautious optimism. The government’s emphasis on stability is demonstrated by its debunking of financial emergency rumors linked to a fictitious $60 billion market loss.
Socially, the ECI’s open procedure, which includes a plastic-free, eco-friendly election, is in line with the objectives of Digital India. Though some users, like @ANI, make political speculations about candidates, public opinion on X, as expressed in posts from @the_hindu and @htTweets, applauds the ECI’s readiness.
Among the logistical challenges facing the ECI are keeping ballots secret and ensuring that 788 MPs vote without incident. Given that the election is anticipated to take place in late August 2025, the 30- to 32-day timeline necessitates quick coordination. Since MPs can vote freely without party whips, which could result in surprises, political parties must manage coalition dynamics.
During a contentious parliamentary session, the new Vice-President will take on the crucial role of Rajya Sabha Chairman and serve the entire five-year term, not just the final two years left by Dhankhar. The result will influence legislative dynamics, particularly in light of pending judicial impeachment motions and controversial issues like the Finance Bill.
The election is important for legislative stability because it guarantees continuity in India’s second-highest constitutional office. MPs have the opportunity to impact national leadership without being limited by their party. A successful election strengthens the government’s credentials as a governing body in the face of pressure from international trade. To stay informed, stakeholders should keep an eye on ECI updates and interact on sites like X. Will this election bring India together or further divide its political landscape as it prepares to elect its 15th vice president? The votes cast by the end of August hold the answer.
