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The sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has triggered a flurry of activity in the Indian political landscape, setting the stage for the election of his successor. While the opposition parties initially seized upon the resignation as an opportunity to question the stability within the ruling NDA coalition, they now face the more pressing challenge of formulating a unified strategy to contest the upcoming Vice Presidential election. The Election Commission's announcement that it has initiated the process of holding the election, including the constitution of the electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament, has added urgency to the opposition's efforts. The selection of returning officers further underscores the Election Commission's commitment to a timely and efficient electoral process. The Vice President of India holds a significant constitutional position, serving as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament. This role necessitates impartiality and the ability to navigate complex parliamentary procedures, making the selection process a matter of considerable national importance. The election process is governed by specific constitutional provisions and electoral laws, ensuring a fair and transparent contest. The electoral college for the Vice Presidential election consists exclusively of members of both Houses of Parliament, a key distinction from the Presidential election, which also includes members of state legislative assemblies. This difference in the electoral college composition significantly impacts the dynamics of the election, giving greater weight to the representation of national parties in Parliament. Nominated members of the Rajya Sabha are also eligible to vote in the Vice Presidential election, adding another layer of complexity to the political calculations. As the Election Commission finalizes the election schedule, all eyes are on the political parties as they begin the crucial process of candidate selection and coalition building. The Indian Express, in its coverage, has highlighted the cautious approach adopted by various opposition parties, who are reportedly waiting for the ruling NDA to reveal its hand before finalizing their own candidate. This strategic waiting game reflects the delicate balance of power in Parliament and the desire to maximize their chances of success. The CPI(M), a prominent Left party, has explicitly stated its intention to await the government's move before deciding on its own course of action. This demonstrates a pragmatic approach, recognizing the NDA's numerical advantage in Parliament and the need to carefully assess the political landscape before committing to a specific candidate. The INDIA bloc, an alliance of opposition parties formed to challenge the NDA's dominance, is expected to play a central role in the Vice Presidential election. The Congress party, as the largest constituent of the INDIA bloc, is anticipated to lead the coordination efforts and bring together the various parties on a common platform. However, the path to consensus within the INDIA bloc is not without its challenges. The Samajwadi Party, a key regional player, has emphasized the need for thorough consultations and inclusive decision-making by the Congress party. This underscores the importance of addressing the concerns of all alliance partners and ensuring that the selected candidate enjoys broad support across the political spectrum. The sudden nature of the Vice President's resignation has added a layer of complexity to the coordination efforts, requiring parties to quickly adapt and initiate the process from scratch. Congress sources have expressed their readiness to take on the challenge and draw upon their experience in coordinating with allies on various issues. The Congress party's recent coordination efforts on issues such as the Pahalgam attack and the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) are cited as examples of their ability to bring INDIA bloc parties together. However, the INDIA bloc has faced internal divisions and disagreements in the past, with some parties questioning the Congress party's leadership credentials after a series of electoral setbacks in state Assembly elections. These past experiences highlight the need for careful diplomacy and effective communication to ensure a cohesive and united front in the Vice Presidential election. The success of the INDIA bloc in this election will be a crucial test of its viability as a credible alternative to the NDA government. The article rightly points out the significant numerical advantage held by the BJP-led NDA in Parliament. With a combined strength of 422 MPs in both Houses, the NDA is well-positioned to secure the election of its candidate. In the Lok Sabha, the NDA enjoys the support of 293 members, while in the Rajya Sabha, the ruling alliance commands the support of 129 MPs, including nominated members who are likely to vote in favor of the NDA nominee. The total strength of the two Houses together is 787, requiring a minimum of 394 votes for a candidate to be elected, assuming all eligible voters cast their ballots. Despite the NDA's comfortable majority, the election is expected to be a closer contest compared to the previous two Vice Presidential elections. The Vice Presidential elections of 2017 and 2022 saw significantly larger victory margins for the NDA candidates. In 2017, M Venkaiah Naidu won by 272 votes, while in 2022, Jagdeep Dhankhar secured a victory margin of 346 votes. The TMC's abstention from polling in the 2022 election, citing a lack of consultation by the Congress party, further contributed to the NDA's larger victory margin. The current political landscape suggests a more competitive election, with the opposition parties determined to put up a strong fight and potentially narrow the NDA's victory margin. The outcome of the election will depend on several factors, including the quality of the candidates nominated by both sides, the effectiveness of the coordination efforts within the opposition alliance, and the ability of the NDA to maintain its unity and cohesion. The Vice Presidential election is not only a contest for a significant constitutional position but also a reflection of the broader political dynamics in the country. The results of this election will provide valuable insights into the strength of the ruling coalition, the viability of the opposition alliance, and the overall direction of Indian politics.
Source: As EC begins process to pick new VP, Opp hopes to get act together, NDA sits pretty