Vice-Presidential Election to Feature Direct Contest on September 9

The vice-presidential election in India is set for a direct contest on September 9, 2025, featuring ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate C P Radhakrishnan and joint opposition nominee B Sudershan Reddy. Both candidates hail from southern India, with Radhakrishnan representing Tamil Nadu and Reddy from Telangana.

No candidate has withdrawn their nomination, ensuring a competitive election. The opposition has framed this election as an ideological struggle, although current parliamentary numbers lean in favor of the NDA, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI).

Election Details and Candidates’ Backgrounds

The polling will occur in Room No. F-101, Vasudha, Parliament House in New Delhi, beginning at 10:00 AM and concluding at 5:00 PM on the day of the election. The counting of votes will commence at 6:00 PM, with results expected shortly thereafter.

The electoral college comprises 233 elected members of the Rajya Sabha, 12 nominated members, and 543 elected members of the Lok Sabha, totaling 788 members (currently 782 due to vacancies). Following the withdrawal deadline on Monday, both candidates remain in the race.

C P Radhakrishnan, aged 67, is a seasoned politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and currently serves as the Governor of Maharashtra. He has previously represented Coimbatore in the Lok Sabha during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Radhakrishnan is being positioned by the NDA as a leader with extensive political and administrative experience, qualities they believe will benefit him in the role of Vice President and as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

In contrast, B Sudershan Reddy, aged 79, is a distinguished former Supreme Court judge known for landmark rulings that criticized governmental inaction in probing black money cases. He retired from the Supreme Court in July 2011 and has a reputation as a steadfast advocate for social and political justice. Reddy also led a committee responsible for conducting a caste survey in Telangana.

Electoral Context and Implications

The NDA’s strategy revolves around presenting Radhakrishnan as a clean leader with a track record of effective governance. His tenure as Chairman of the All India Coir Board from 2016 to 2020 saw significant growth in coir exports.

On the other hand, the Congress-led opposition bloc is rallying behind Reddy, emphasizing his commitment to justice and equity. Reddy’s legal career has been marked by significant contributions to the judiciary, making him a prominent figure in discussions about social reform.

As the electoral college prepares for this significant event, the implications of the vice-presidential election extend beyond mere political positioning. The outcome may reflect broader public sentiments and set the tone for future legislative agendas in India.

With the election just days away, both candidates are poised to make their cases to the electorate, highlighting their respective visions for the future of India.