NEWS – Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned, creating a rare mid-term vacancy. He is the third VP to resign mid-term after V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman, both of whom later became Presidents.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Interim Arrangement: The Constitution has no provision for an acting VP. However, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, currently Harivansh Narayan Singh, will preside over the House in the VP’s absence.
• Election Timeline: Unlike the President, no fixed timeline exists for filling the VP post. The Election Commission will notify the poll “as soon as possible.” The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 governs the process.
• Tenure: The newly elected VP will serve a full five-year term, not just Dhankhar’s remaining tenure.
• Election Process:
  • Elected by an electoral college comprising both Houses of Parliament, including nominated members.
  • State legislatures do not participate.
  • Voting is by secret ballot, using proportional representation with a single transferable vote.
  • Candidate must achieve the quota: (Total valid votes ÷ 2) + 1.
• Eligibility:
  • Indian citizen, 35+ years, eligible for Rajya Sabha, registered elector, and must not hold an office of profit (exceptions: President, Governor, Minister).