Election Commission Begins Process of Holding Vice-Presidential Polls

Political corridors are rife with speculation about Dhankhar's successor

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI: Moving swiftly after the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar from the post of Vice President on Monday, the Election Commission has begun the process of holding the vice-presidential election.

The poll authority said on Wednesday that it has started constituting the electoral college comprising MPs of both Houses of Parliament. Both elected and nominated members are eligible to vote in the vice-presidential election.

It is also finalising the returning officer and assistant returning officers.

"On completion of the preparatory activities, the announcement of the election schedule to the office of the Vice President of India will follow as soon as possible," the EC said. In a surprise move, Dhankhar quit his post on the opening day of the monsoon session of Parliament, citing health reasons. His term was to end on August 10, 2027.

The Union Home ministry on Tuesday formally notified the resignation of Dhankhar from the office of the vice president.

The Election Commission of India, under Article 324, is mandated to conduct the election to the office of the Vice President. The election to the office of the Vice President of India is governed by The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and the rules made thereunder, namely The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.