India is voting today to elect its next Vice-President in a crucial contest that has drawn sharp political attention nationwide. The election was necessitated after the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in July, leading to an early poll to fill the constitutional post.
The battle lines are clearly drawn between NDA nominee C. P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra and a senior BJP leader, and opposition INDIA bloc’s candidate Justice (retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy, a respected former Supreme Court judge.
Polling began this morning inside the new Parliament building, where Members of Parliament from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are casting their votes through a secret ballot under the single transferable vote system. Voting will end at 5 p.m., with counting scheduled immediately after. Results are expected later in the evening.
With the NDA enjoying a strong majority in Parliament, Radhakrishnan appears to have the numerical edge. Analysts point out that the ruling alliance commands over 400 MPs, giving it a comfortable lead. However, the INDIA bloc has pinned its hopes on Sudershan Reddy, stressing that his judicial background represents integrity, impartiality, and institutional balance.
The election has also seen interesting moves from regional players. The BRS and BJD announced they would abstain, citing farmer distress and other state-specific concerns. Their decision slightly narrows the arithmetic but does not alter the overall balance of power.
Today’s outcome will decide not just the next Vice-President but also the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. Beyond the numbers, this election is being seen as a test of opposition unity and a measure of the ruling alliance’s parliamentary strength. Whichever way the result goes, the new Vice-President will assume office at a politically sensitive time for the country.
