The 17th Vice-Presidential Election is scheduled on September 9, the Election Commission of India confirmed, claimed reports.
Jagdeep Dhankhar vacated the position on July 22, citing health issues.
The move expectedly polarised opinion in India’s political circles.
The Ministry of Home Affairs acknowledged the vacancy through a notification on July 22.
It’s mandated that the election to fill the post must be conducted without delay.
The 74-year-old, who had held the office since 2022, submitted his resignation after presiding over the first day of the Monsoon Session in his capacity as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, said he was resigning immediately under Article 67(a) of the Constitution to prioritise healthcare. He said he was heeding medical advice. The Vice President’s Office subsequently released the letter.
According to Article 66 of the Constitution of India, the Vice President is elected by an electoral college composed solely of members from both Houses of Parliament—Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Voting is conducted through a secret ballot, based on the system of single transferable vote.
Reports added that the Election Commission outlined the election schedule, noting that the last date for filing nominations is August 21. Polling is set for September 9, with counting of votes scheduled for the same day.
The one elected will serve a full five-year term from the date of assuming office. The election process will be conducted under the provisions of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Manish Tewari made a sarcastic remark at the Election Commission. Referring to the Special Intensive Survey, he commented on social media platform X that with the Vice Presidential election schedule now released, Members of Parliament might need to prepare 11 documents to prove their citizenship.
He said nothing would be surprising if the Election Commission decided to initiate a Special Intensive Revision of the Electoral Roll even after declaring the election schedule, remarking that anything was possible with the current Commission.
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