Vice Presidential Election in India: Process, History, and Results

Introduction

The Vice Presidential Election in India is one of the most significant events in the country’s democratic framework. The Vice President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office after the President. Besides acting as a crucial link in India’s parliamentary democracy, the Vice President is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

Every five years, India witnesses the Vice Presidential Election, conducted under a well-defined constitutional framework. This article explores the election process, eligibility, results, historical outcomes, and the importance of the Vice Presidential Election in India.

The Role of the Vice President of India

Before diving into the election process, it’s essential to understand the role and responsibilities of the Vice President.

• Acts as the second-highest constitutional authority in India.

• Presides over the Rajya Sabha as its Chairman.

• Performs duties of the President in case of the latter’s absence, resignation, removal, or death, until a new President is elected.

• Plays a neutral and balancing role in parliamentary debates.

The position is non-executive in nature, but it holds immense importance in maintaining the balance of power and smooth functioning of the Indian Parliament.

Constitutional Provisions for Vice Presidential Election in India

The Vice Presidential Election in India is governed by:

• Article 63 of the Indian Constitution: Establishes the post of Vice President.

• Article 66: Describes the election process.

• Article 68: Deals with the time frame for holding elections to fill the vacancy.

• Article 69: Describes the oath of office.

• Representation of the People Act, 1951 and related election rules.

Eligibility Criteria for Vice Presidential Candidates

To be elected as the Vice President of India, a candidate must meet the following requirements:

1. Citizen of India.

2. At least 35 years of age.

3. Must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

4. Should not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or state governments (other than that of Vice President or President).

Election Process of Vice President in India

1. Electoral College

The Vice President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). Unlike the Presidential election, state legislatures do not participate.

• Lok Sabha Members: 543 elected + 2 nominated

• Rajya Sabha Members: 233 elected + 12 nominated

Thus, around 790 members participate in the election (subject to vacancies at the time).

2. Method of Voting – Proportional Representation

The election is conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) through a secret ballot using the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote (STV).

Here’s how it works:

• Each MP ranks candidates in order of preference.

• If no candidate secures the required quota in the first count, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated, and votes are transferred according to the second preferences.

• This continues until a candidate reaches the majority quota.

This system ensures fair representation and avoids a simple majority-based election.

3. Nomination of Candidates

• A candidate’s nomination must be supported by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders (Members of Parliament).

• A security deposit is also required, which is forfeited if the candidate fails to secure a minimum number of votes.

4. Conduct and Supervision

The Election Commission of India oversees the entire process, ensuring fairness, secrecy, and transparency.

Vice Presidential Election Results in India – Historical Overview

Since India’s independence, there have been multiple Vice Presidential Elections, producing some notable results. Below is a timeline of Vice Presidents and their election outcomes:

List of Vice Presidents of India (1952 – Present)

1. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1952–1962) – First Vice President, later became President.

2. Dr. Zakir Husain (1962–1967) – First Muslim Vice President, later became President.

3. V. V. Giri (1967–1969) – Resigned to contest for the Presidency.

4. Gopal Swarup Pathak (1969–1974).

5. B. D. Jatti (1974–1979).

6. Mohammad Hidayatullah (1979–1984).

7. R. Venkataraman (1984–1987) – Became President later.

8. Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (1987–1992) – Later became President.

9. K. R. Narayanan (1992–1997) – First Dalit Vice President, later President.

10. Krishan Kant (1997–2002).

11. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (2002–2007).

12. Mohammad Hamid Ansari (2007–2017) – Served two terms.

13. M. Venkaiah Naidu (2017–2022).

14. Jagdeep Dhankhar (2022–Present).

Vice Presidential Election Results – Recent Elections

2022 Vice Presidential Election

• Winner: Jagdeep Dhankhar (NDA candidate, former Governor of West Bengal).

• Opponent: Margaret Alva (joint opposition candidate).

• Result:

  • Jagdeep Dhankhar secured 528 votes.

  • Margaret Alva secured 182 votes.

• Margin: Dhankhar won with a massive majority (around 74% of valid votes).

This result highlighted the NDA’s strong hold in Parliament, given their majority in the Lok Sabha.

2017 Vice Presidential Election

• Winner: M. Venkaiah Naidu (NDA candidate).

• Opponent: Gopalkrishna Gandhi (supported by opposition parties).

• Result:

  • Naidu received 516 votes.

  • Gandhi received 244 votes.

• Margin: Naidu won comfortably with about 68% of the vote share.

Importance of Vice Presidential Elections in India

The Vice Presidential Election results often reflect the political equation in Parliament. Since only MPs vote, the ruling party or coalition usually enjoys an advantage if it has strong parliamentary numbers.

Key Importance:

• Acts as a test of parliamentary strength for ruling coalitions.

• Provides insight into opposition unity.

• Ensures continuity in constitutional functioning.

• Strengthens democratic traditions.

Challenges in Vice Presidential Elections

1. Limited Electorate: Only MPs vote, excluding state assemblies.

2. Political Influence: Ruling coalitions often dominate results.

3. Public Awareness: Unlike Presidential elections, Vice Presidential polls get less public attention.

Future of Vice Presidential Elections in India

The election process has been consistent for decades, and no major changes are expected in the near future. However, there may be increasing public engagement through media and digital platforms, making the elections more transparent and accessible to citizens.

Conclusion

The Vice Presidential Election in India is an important constitutional event that ensures the smooth functioning of the democratic system. While the election results usually favor the ruling coalition, the post itself carries immense significance for maintaining parliamentary democracy, neutrality, and constitutional balance.

From Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to Jagdeep Dhankhar, the office of the Vice President has been occupied by some of the most respected leaders in Indian history. As India progresses, the Vice Presidential Election will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s parliamentary democracy.