New Delhi, September 9, 2025 – The much-awaited Vice Presidential election began today in the new Parliament building, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi casting the very first vote. The election has drawn national attention as it brings two contrasting candidates face to face—NDA’s C. P. Radhakrishnan, a seasoned BJP leader and former Maharashtra Governor, and the INDIA bloc’s nominee B. Sudershan Reddy, a retired Supreme Court judge known for his judicial integrity.
The voting, scheduled between 10 AM and 5 PM in Room F-101 of the Vasudha wing, is being closely monitored as the outcome will determine who occupies the country’s second-highest constitutional office. Counting of votes is expected to begin at 6 PM, with results anticipated later in the evening. With 781 members eligible to vote and around 770 likely to participate, the magic number to secure victory stands at 386 votes.
On one side, C. P. Radhakrishnan enjoys a clear numerical edge, thanks to the NDA’s solid backing and additional support from allies such as the YSR Congress. His vote bank is estimated to cross 425 MPs, giving him a comfortable cushion. On the other, B. Sudershan Reddy represents the INDIA bloc’s attempt to challenge NDA dominance, appealing to parliamentarians for a conscience vote and framing the contest as a battle for the “soul of India.”
The political arithmetic, however, heavily tilts in favor of the NDA. While NDA commands roughly 436 MPs, the INDIA bloc holds about 324, leaving little room for a dramatic upset unless unexpected cross-voting takes place. Despite this, the opposition has worked to keep morale high, even conducting mock voting exercises in the Central Hall to avoid invalid ballots and present a united front.
Adding to the drama are the decisions of some regional parties to abstain. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana has stayed away, citing farmer distress over fertilizer shortages, while the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have also chosen not to participate. These abstentions effectively reduce the total vote pool and further consolidate the NDA’s advantage.
This election holds historical importance as it is the first early Vice-Presidential poll since 1987, triggered by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, due to health concerns. The Vice President not only serves as the second-highest constitutional authority but also plays a pivotal role as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, influencing parliamentary debates and ensuring legislative order.
As the nation waits for the results, political observers are watching three key factors: whether any cross-voting could narrow the margin, how much the abstentions impact the final tally, and what the victory margin reveals about shifting loyalties in Parliament. Regardless of the outcome, today’s election is being seen as more than a procedural vote—it is a contest symbolizing the current balance of power in Indian politics.
