India will elect its next Vice President on September 9, 2025, following the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially released the detailed schedule for the upcoming Vice Presidential election. The poll process will begin with notification on August 7, and voting, if necessary, will be conducted in September.
Nomination deadline is August 21, counting to be held on polling day
According to the election schedule released by the Commission, nominations can be filed until August 21. These will be scrutinized on August 22, and candidates can withdraw until August 25. In case more than one nomination is deemed valid, the election will take place on September 9. The voting will be held from 10 AM to 5 PM, followed by immediate counting of votes and declaration of results the same evening.
The post of Vice President fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, citing health reasons. He submitted his resignation personally at Rashtrapati Bhavan to President Droupadi Murmu, and later shared the resignation letter through his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Speculation continues over Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation
While Dhankhar has publicly cited health issues for his resignation, the sudden nature of his departure has led to intense speculation in political circles. Several opposition leaders and political analysts have questioned the timing and motive behind his move.
Unofficial reports have hinted at possible friction between Dhankhar and the ruling government. There have been whispers that differences over key policy issues, particularly agriculture and farmers’ protests, might have contributed to the decision. Some reports also suggest that Dhankhar’s growing rapport with opposition leaders raised concerns within the ruling alliance. However, no formal statement from the government or Dhankhar has addressed these speculations.
Election procedure for Vice President’s post
The Vice President of India is elected through an electoral college comprising members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Unlike the presidential election, state assemblies do not participate in this process. Voting is conducted through a secret ballot, and preferential voting is used to decide the winner.
If only one candidate remains in the race after the nomination and withdrawal phases, the person will be declared elected unopposed. However, with a political climate charged ahead of the 2025 general elections, multiple nominations are likely.
Political implications and high-stakes contest expected
The Vice President also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, making the position politically significant. With parliamentary deadlocks and legislative tensions becoming more frequent, parties are expected to pay close attention to who occupies the post.
Dhankhar, during his tenure, was often seen taking firm positions in Rajya Sabha, sometimes leading to confrontations with opposition members. His exit might open a window for a more conciliatory figure, or may lead to a fierce contest between ideologically divided political camps.
Analysts believe the September election could set the tone for the upcoming general election in 2026. Both the ruling alliance and the opposition bloc are expected to strategically nominate their candidates, potentially making this a high-profile and tightly contested race.
What lies ahead for Dhankhar?
Even after his resignation, Jagdeep Dhankhar continues to remain in public focus. While his official statement attributes the move to health concerns, insiders speculate that he may return to active politics or be entrusted with another constitutional or diplomatic role.
His vocal stance on farmers’ rights, judicial matters, and legislative functioning have earned him both praise and criticism. Whether his resignation signals a larger realignment within the government or is a purely personal decision remains to be seen.
As per the announced timeline, India will have a new Vice President on September 9, 2025. The election process, starting August 7, will be closely monitored by political observers and the general public alike. With speculation swirling around Dhankhar’s exit and the stakes rising ahead of national elections, the Vice Presidential election promises to be more than just a formality.
