As Parliament’s Monsoon Session 2025 began on July 21, an unexpected political development rocked the national stage by evening—Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar formally resigned from office, cutting short his term and triggering a constitutional process to fill one of India’s highest posts.

While the reason behind Dhankhar’s resignation remains officially undisclosed, political insiders suggest it may be linked to recent escalations with Opposition leaders in the Rajya Sabha, including his controversial decision to admit a motion against a sitting High Court judge—an act that reportedly upset many within the government ranks.

Who Will Temporarily Chair the Rajya Sabha?

Following his exit, the Rajya Sabha will now be chaired by Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh, a senior JD(U) leader, who will act as the presiding officer during this volatile session. As per constitutional provisions under Article 91, in the absence of the Vice President, the Deputy Chairperson assumes this role until a new VP is elected.

Harivansh, who has served in this capacity since 2020, is known for his calm demeanor and procedural expertise. His leadership is expected to provide a sense of continuity as Parliament grapples with major legislative issues and political confrontations in the coming weeks.

When and How Will the New Vice President Be Elected?

According to constitutional norms (Articles 63–71) and the Vice-President Election Rules, 1974, the election must be held within 60 days of the post falling vacant. This sets the latest possible polling date as September 19, 2025. The Election Commission of India is expected to release the official schedule in the coming days.

The election will involve 788 MPs from both Houses (543 Lok Sabha + 245 Rajya Sabha members), who will vote via proportional representation using the single transferable vote (STV) system. This method ensures broader consensus and gives minority voices a role in the outcome, as votes can shift from one candidate to another based on ranked preferences.

BJP’s Advantage and Candidate Speculations

With a clear numerical upper hand in Parliament, the NDA, led by the BJP, holds the power to push its nominee with relative ease—provided the alliance remains united. Despite the advantage, party insiders suggest that the leadership is keen on selecting a “non-divisive, experienced” figure to avoid stirring further friction in an already tense political climate.

Some names doing the rounds include:

• A senior Union Minister with legal or constitutional expertise

• A respected former Governor or retired diplomat

• Harivansh Narayan Singh himself, given his experience and acceptability across party lines

No official confirmation has emerged so far.

Key Qualifications to Be Vice President

A potential candidate must:

• Be an Indian citizen

• Be at least 35 years old

• Be eligible for election to the Rajya Sabha

• Not hold any office of profit under the Union or a State government (except for roles like President, Governor, or Union Minister)

What’s Ahead?

The Vice President’s resignation comes at a politically sensitive time, as the BJP is also expected to announce a new party president, replacing JP Nadda, post-Independence Day. A coordinated leadership overhaul may be in the works, suggesting larger shifts within the ruling establishment.

As the Monsoon Session continues under Harivansh’s watch, all eyes will remain on the Election Commission and the BJP’s high command.