Polling Begins for Vice Presidential Election in India

Polling has commenced for the Vice Presidential election in India, with two candidates vying for the position. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated C P Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, while the opposition INDIA bloc has put forth B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court Judge.

The Vice President is elected by an electoral college comprised of members from both houses of Parliament. Currently, the Lok Sabha consists of 542 members, and the Rajya Sabha has 239, creating a total electorate of 781. To secure victory, a candidate must achieve a majority of 391 votes.

Voting Process and Participation

Voting began at 10:00 AM and will continue until 5:00 PM at the New Parliament Building in New Delhi. Members of both Houses of Parliament are participating in the election through a secret ballot. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to cast his vote, emphasizing the importance of the election.

The counting of votes is scheduled to begin after 6:00 PM the same day. This election holds significant importance in shaping the leadership dynamics of the country, as the Vice President plays a crucial role in the legislative process and serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

As the voting unfolds, the focus remains on securing the necessary majority, with both candidates representing distinct political ideologies and strategies. The election results will not only determine the next Vice President but also provide insights into the current political landscape in India.