New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has kick-started the process to elect the next Vice President of the country, following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar from the constitutional post. Dhankhar submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu on July 21, citing health reasons.
On July 22, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an official gazette notification confirming the resignation. The ECI, as per its constitutional mandate under Article 324, is now tasked with conducting the election for the vacant office.
The Vice Presidential election will be conducted in accordance with the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and the related 1974 rules. The Commission announced that all necessary preparations have already begun and that the schedule for the poll will be released soon after final groundwork is completed.
Preparations currently include compiling the Electoral College — which comprises both elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha — and appointing a Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officers. The ECI is also reviewing records and background material from previous Vice Presidential elections to guide the upcoming process.
In the interim, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha will handle the Vice President’s parliamentary responsibilities, including chairing sessions in the Upper House. However, this arrangement is purely procedural and does not carry the title or broader constitutional authority of the Vice President.
As per constitutional norms, the vacancy must be filled “as soon as possible,” typically within six months. Once elected, the new Vice President will serve a full five-year term, not just the remainder of Dhankhar’s tenure.
The political spotlight is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as the nation prepares to elect its 14th Vice President, a role that is second in command after the President of India and also serves as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
