The New Vice President and India’s Constitutional Pillar: check facts

1. Constitutional Foundation: Articles Defining the Office

India’s Constitution clearly defines the Vice President’s role through three crucial articles:

• Article 63 establishes the office: “There shall be a Vice President of India.” Wikipedia+1

• Article 66 deals with the election process: chosen by an electoral college comprising both Houses of Parliament via proportional representation and a secret ballot. WikipediaReuters

• Article 65 empowers the VP to act as President if the office is vacant or the President is unable to discharge duties. WikipediaReuters

These articles are fundamental not only for Constitutional knowledge but also feature directly in exam questions.

2. Election Process: How the Vice President Is Chosen

The election of India’s VP involves parliamentary members only:

• Electoral College: Comprises elected and nominated members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. State legislatures are excluded. WikipediaReuters

• Voting Method: Proportional representation with single transferable vote via secret ballot. WikipediaReuters

• Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be a citizen of India

  • Minimum 35 years of age

  • Should not hold any office of profit

  • Must be qualified for election to the Rajya Sabha Wikipedia

In the 2025 election, Radhakrishnan’s victory with 452 votes (60.10%) compared to Reddy’s 300 (39.90%) underscored strong NDA support and hinted at strategic cross-voting among the opposition WikipediaIndiatimesThe Times of IndiaThe Economic Times.

3. Term, Resignation, and Removal: The Office’s Lifespan

• Term Duration: The Vice President serves a five-year term but remains in office until a successor assumes the role Wikipedia.

• Re-election: The officeholder may be re-elected.

• Resignation: The VP can resign in writing to the President.

• Removal: The Rajya Sabha can initiate removal through a resolution, which must then be passed in the Lok Sabha (akin to impeachment).

• Vacancy Management: Article 68 mandates prompt elections in case of early vacancy. In 2025, elections were held swiftly following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation in July. WikipediaReutersIndiatimes

4. Key Roles and Responsibilities of the Vice President

A. Ex-Officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha

The VP’s prime functional role is as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha:

• Presides over sittings of the Upper House

• Enforces House decorum and rules

• Decides points of order and redresses procedural issues

• Casts a casting vote in case of a tie The Indian ExpressThe Economic TimesIndiatimes

B. Acting President of India

Under Article 65, the VP assumes presidential duties if the President is ill, absent, or the position is vacant. This role ensures continuity in constitutional governance WikipediaReutersIndiatimes.

C. Other Legislative Functions

• Decides on membership eligibility/disqualification for Rajya Sabha

• Represents the President and the nation at parliamentary and ceremonial events

• Plays a neutral role—even above party affiliations—ensuring procedural integrity The Indian ExpressThe Economic Times

5. Political and Practical Relevance of the Vice President

Though often viewed as ceremonial, the VP’s role carries substantial practical impact:

1. Parliamentary Stability: A respected presiding officer, the VP ensures legislative business is conducted smoothly amidst political turbulence.

2. Constitutional Backup: Ready to step in as Acting President, reinforcing the institutional design.

3. Political Symbolism: Radhakrishnan’s election symbolizes NDA’s strategy and southern outreach, given his Tamil Nadu roots and RSS background Navbharat TimesIndiatimesThe Times of India.

4. Cross-Voting Insights: The 2025 race revealed cross-voting trends, raising questions about alliance loyalties and parliamentary behavior. The Economic TimesMaharashtra TimesThe Times of India

TMC MP Derek O’Brien, for instance, urged the new Vice President to uphold democratic norms and accept all notices from the opposition, underscoring the expectation of fairness in the House The Economic Times.

6. Historical Context

• First VP: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan served as the first Vice President (1952–1962), later becoming President—a testament to the office’s prestige Wikipedia+1.

• Trend Insights: Over the decades, some VPs, including the 2025 appointee, have used the role to influence legislation, maintain House discipline, and serve as placeholders during emergencies—reflecting continuity and adaptability of the Constitution.

7. Quick Facts: Must-Know for Aspirants

8. Practice MCQs

1. Who elects the Vice President of India?
   A) State Legislatures
   B) Lok Sabha only
   C) Members of both Houses of Parliament
   D) President
   Answer: C

2. Under which Article does the VP act as President?
   A) Article 63
   B) Article 65
   C) Article 66
   D) Article 69
   Answer: B

3. What is the term of the Vice President of India?
   A) 4 yrs
   B) 5 yrs
   C) 6 yrs
   D) Until 65 yrs
   Answer: B

9. Study Strategies for Efficient Learning

• Article Mnemonics: Example: “63 – Existence, 65 – Acting, 66 – Election”

• Flashcards: Write Articles on one side with summaries on the other.

• Diagrammatic Representation: Map the President ↔ Vice President ↔ Rajya Sabha roles.

• Daily MCQ Practice: Use Constitution and Rajya Sabha Secretariat as references.

• Current Affairs Integration: Relate the newly elected VP and the 2025 election outlines to revision notes.