ECI Finalises Electoral College List for 2025 Vice-Presidential Election Following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation
Vice-Presidential election was necessitated by the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI via The Hindu
New Delhi, July 31 (TheTrendingPeople.com):
In a significant political development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday, July 31, 2025, announced that it has finalised the electoral college list for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. This comes in the wake of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation on July 21, 2025, creating a rare mid-term vacancy in India’s second-highest constitutional office.
The ECI has stated that the official list will be made available for public access from the date of the formal notification, which is “likely to be announced soon.”
A Rare Constitutional Event: Mid-Term VP Vacancy
The resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who had assumed office in August 2022, sent shockwaves across India’s political spectrum. His resignation, citing “personal and moral reasons,” was not preceded by any visible rift or controversy, making the event both unexpected and politically sensitive.
This rare mid-term vacancy has triggered constitutional mechanisms for the election of a new Vice-President of India, as mandated under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. The responsibility for conducting this election lies solely with the ECI, which is now acting swiftly to ensure compliance with legal and procedural frameworks.
Electoral College Composition Explained
The Vice-President of India is elected through an electoral college comprising:
- Elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha
- Elected members of the Lok Sabha
Unlike the Presidential election, members of State Legislative Assemblies do not participate in this vote. The electoral process is governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and further detailed in Rule 40 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.
According to the ECI’s statement, “The electoral college list has been finalised and includes members in a continuous serial order, arranged alphabetically based on the State or Union Territory of their respective Houses.”
Where and When Will the List Be Available?
The Commission confirmed that the electoral college list will be accessible from the date of notification, which is expected to be published shortly. Copies of the list will be available for purchase at a dedicated counter set up within the Election Commission of India headquarters in New Delhi.
This level of transparency is part of the Commission’s broader effort to maintain integrity and openness in the electoral process. The ECI reiterated its commitment to a “free, fair, and constitutionally compliant election.”
Appointment of Returning Officer and Assistants
As a preparatory step, the ECI has appointed P.C. Mody, Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha, as the Returning Officer for the election. Supporting him will be two Assistant Returning Officers:
- Garima Jain, Joint Secretary, Rajya Sabha Secretariat
- Vijay Kumar, Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat
These appointments ensure that the procedural and logistical aspects of the election are overseen by experienced parliamentary officers with access to necessary infrastructure and information.
Timeline and Notification Awaited
While the list preparation marks a major step forward, the notification for the Vice-Presidential election schedule is still awaited. Based on historical precedents, such notifications typically follow within a week of finalising the electoral college list. Once announced, the notification will:
- Specify the last date for nomination
- Indicate scrutiny and withdrawal dates
- Confirm the date of polling and counting
Given the constitutional requirement that a new Vice-President must be elected within six months of the vacancy, observers expect the full schedule to be released by early August 2025.
Political Reactions and Speculations
Political parties across the spectrum have been relatively muted in their responses so far, possibly due to the sudden nature of Dhankhar’s resignation and the ongoing Lok Sabha session. However, sources within the INDIA bloc and the NDA indicate that backchannel discussions have already begun regarding potential candidates.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh commented, “We respect the constitutional process. The Vice-President’s role is crucial in maintaining the dignity of the Rajya Sabha. We will consult all INDIA bloc partners before arriving at a consensus.”
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi stated, “The BJP parliamentary board will soon meet to deliberate on our nominee. We have full faith in the Election Commission’s process.”
Impact on the Indian Political Landscape
The Vice-President of India holds not only a constitutional but also a symbolic role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. With key legislative bills expected in the Monsoon Session, the vacancy may delay procedural oversight in the Upper House, despite the presence of a deputy chairman.
Moreover, the election comes at a time when the 2026 State Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are nearing, raising the stakes for both national alliances.
Legal and Democratic Integrity in Focus
The ECI’s swift response and procedural adherence serve to reassure the public of its constitutional autonomy and efficiency. Legal experts, including constitutional scholar Prof. K.K. Gautam, praised the move: “The Election Commission has rightly followed the framework laid down in Rule 40. Maintaining electoral transparency builds faith in our democratic process.”
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar has undoubtedly shifted the political gears of India. With the Election Commission moving quickly to finalise the electoral college and gear up for the Vice-Presidential polls, all eyes now turn to the official notification that will formally kick off the race. As political coalitions assess their options, one thing is clear — this election will be closely watched, both for its immediate implications and what it signals about the broader balance of power in Indian governance.