Vice Presidential poll schedule likely within 72 hours; new VP expected by August-end

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the schedule for the Vice Presidential election within the next 48 to 72 hours, NDTV reported quoting sources.

A new Vice President is likely to take office by the end of August, following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, which triggered the need for fresh elections as per constitutional guidelines.

President Droupadi Murmu has officially accepted Dhankhar’s resignation, which came nearly two years before the end of his term.

As per Article 68(2) of the Constitution, there’s no specific deadline for holding a Vice Presidential election in case of a resignation, but it must be conducted “as soon as possible.” Sources in the Election Commission said preparations were set in motion immediately after the Home Ministry formally informed them of the resignation. A notification regarding the election is expected within the next few days.

Under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, once the notification is issued, the entire election process—from nomination to result—must be completed within 32 days. Nomination papers must be filed within 14 days of the notification, meaning the election and swearing-in of the next Vice President should be completed by the end of August 2025.

Though officially citing health concerns, Dhankhar’s resignation came amid heightened political drama. According to insiders, the resignation followed a controversial decision he made as Rajya Sabha Chairman. He had accepted a motion by opposition MPs calling for the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, a High Court judge under investigation after large amounts of cash were found at his home.

Previously, NDTV had reported that the government of India had been preparing its own motion in the Lok Sabha on the same issue. The opposition’s successful tabling of the motion in the Rajya Sabha, accepted by Mr Dhankhar, appeared to undermine the government’s plan to lead the narrative.

Sources told NDTV that Narendra Modi was quickly briefed on the situation, and a late-night meeting was convened with senior ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Home Minister Amit Shah. BJP MPs were called in groups and informed that Dhankhar’s actions had broken protocol.

Following this, MPs were asked to sign a counter-motion and stay in Delhi for the coming days. Shortly afterward, Dhankhar submitted his resignation.