India’s vice-presidential election: Key contest for Rajya Sabha control

Unlike general elections decided by millions, this contest will be settled by MPs in Parliament. NDA’s pick, BJP veteran C.P. Radhakrishnan, faces off against B. Sudarshan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge backed by the INDIA Alliance. Beyond personalities, the election will determine who moderates India’s highest-stakes debates, and how smoothly the government’s legislative agenda moves forward.

How the Election Works

The Vice President is chosen not by the public but by an electoral college of MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. Voting is conducted by secret ballot under the Single Transferable Vote system, meaning MPs rank candidates by preference.

Polling will run from 10 AM to 5 PM, with counting slated for 6 PM, overseen by the Election Commission of India. Every rank and preference could matter in a close contest.

The Candidates

• C.P. Radhakrishnan (NDA): Senior BJP leader, former Governor of Maharashtra, and the ruling coalition’s nominee.
• B. Sudarshan Reddy (INDIA Alliance): Former Supreme Court judge with a reformist reputation, chosen by the united opposition bloc.

The battle lines are clear: a ruling alliance seeking continuity of control versus an opposition coalition hoping to dent the government’s dominance in Parliament.

Why the Stakes Are High

The Vice President is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, a role critical to India’s lawmaking process. From deciding who gets the floor to ruling on procedural disputes, the Chair can tilt the balance in heated legislative battles.

With the NDA holding only a narrow edge in the Upper House, the new Vice President’s discretion could decide the fate of controversial bills. For the opposition, this is a rare opening to push back inside Parliament.

A Volatile Political Tussle

Because voting is secret, cross-voting looms large. A handful of MPs breaking ranks could swing the final outcome. Political watchers expect intense backroom maneuvering, with alliance unity under quiet but heavy scrutiny.

The Road Ahead

This is more than just about filling Dhankhar’s vacancy. The new Vice President will set the tone of Rajya Sabha politics at a time when India faces showdowns on economic policy, federal power, and constitutional debates. On September 9, when ballots are counted, the winner will not only take the Vice President’s seat but also seize the gavel that orchestrates India’s parliamentary future.