New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced the start of the election process for the post of Vice President following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Dhankhar stepped down on July 21, citing health reasons, and submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu. The Ministry of Home Affairs formally notified his resignation through Gazette Notification S.O.3354(E) dated July 22, 2025.
In a statement, the ECI said it is mandated under Article 324 of the Constitution to conduct the election to fill the vacancy in the Vice President’s office. The process is governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, along with the associated rules of 1974.
“Accordingly, the Election Commission of India has already started the preparations relating to the Vice-Presidential Elections, 2025. On completion of the preparatory activities, the announcement of the Election Schedule to the office of the Vice-President of India will follow as soon as possible,” the Commission said.
Preparatory activities already underway include compiling the Electoral College, comprising elected and nominated members of both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, appointing the Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officers, and preparing reference material on previous Vice-Presidential elections.
Until a new Vice President is elected, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha will temporarily assume parliamentary responsibilities such as presiding over the Upper House. However, this arrangement does not grant the title of Acting Vice President or any constitutional powers beyond chairing the Rajya Sabha.
Experts note that under the Constitution, the vacancy must be filled "as soon as possible," generally within six months. The elected candidate will serve a full five-year term, not just the remainder of Dhankhar’s tenure.