After Jagdeep Dhankhar's shock exit, INDIA bloc weighs joint vice president candidate: 'Numbers are not…'

The election for the vice president was necessitated after former vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on Monday.

Published on: Jul 25, 2025, 09:16:29 IST

By HT News Desk

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The Opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc is likely to contest the vice presidential poll after a collective decision on a common candidate, PTI reported on Thursday, citing sources.

Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, SP MP Akhilesh Yadav, DMK MP TR Balu and other INDIA bloc MPs during a protest against Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, at Parliament premises in New Delhi on Wednesday. (ANI)

The sources said the bloc feels that the numbers are not overwhelmingly stacked against the opposition despite the BJP-led NDA having a majority.

They added that there is a feeling that the opposition parties should not shy away from a contest to send a strong political message, irrespective of the outcome.

Earlier on Wednesday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge told HT that the INDIA bloc will “collectively take a decision” regarding the upcoming vice-presidential election.

“We will call a meeting of the INDIA group parties and take a collective decision on what to do for the VP election,” Kharge said.

The election for the vice president was necessitated after former vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on Monday.

Also Read | Centre reached out to VP hours before he quit

Dhankhar, who was also Chairman of Rajya Sabha, sent his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, saying that he is resigning "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice."

Vice President election: Where numbers stand

The effective strength of both Houses is 782, and the winning candidate will need to win 392 votes in the vice president's election, considering all eligible voters exercise their franchise.

All members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including the nominated ones, vote in the vice presidential poll.

Also Read | Has Jagdeep Dhankhar's official residence been sealed? Govt fact checks claims

In Lok Sabha, while the BJP-led NDA enjoys the support of 293 members in the 542-member House, the INDIA bloc has 234 members.

The ruling alliance has the support of about 130 members in the Rajya Sabha, which has an effective strength of 240, assuming that the nominated members vote in support of the NDA nominee. The INDIA bloc has the support of 79 members in the Upper House.

Effectively, the NDA has 423 members in Parliament, and the INDIA bloc has 313 members, the remaining being non-aligned.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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