The INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, is gearing up to field a unified candidate for the upcoming vice presidential election on September 9, 2025, aiming to send a strong political message. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is actively engaging with opposition leaders to build consensus on a candidate, sources revealed on Sunday.
The decision to contest the election reflects a growing resolve among opposition parties to challenge the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), regardless of the outcome. While no formal discussions have finalized a candidate, informal talks are underway, with Kharge reaching out to key allies to explore potential names. The bloc is determined to present a united front, with Congress sources confirming a consensus on a joint candidate.
However, some opposition leaders advocate waiting for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to announce its candidate before finalizing their choice, a strategy aimed at maximizing their electoral impact. The INDIA bloc’s unity has been further strengthened by recent concerns over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, which they allege is a tactic by the BJP and Election Commission to manipulate polls. This issue has galvanized the coalition, prompting them to label it the BJP’s “vote chori model.”
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A significant display of this unity occurred on Thursday, August 7, 2025, when top INDIA bloc leaders gathered for a dinner meeting at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s residence. The meeting, attended by prominent figures such as Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), Farooq Abdullah (National Conference), Mehbooba Mufti (PDP), Akhilesh Yadav (SP), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-UBT), and others from 25 parties, was the first major gathering since June 2024. During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi presented evidence of alleged electoral malpractices, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to counter such moves.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal described the meeting as “highly successful,” though he noted that the vice presidential election was not a primary focus, with further discussions planned. Kharge is set to host another dinner for INDIA bloc MPs on Monday, August 11, 2025, to continue strategizing.
The vice presidential election was triggered by Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation on August 4, 2025, officially attributed to medical reasons, though speculation persists about underlying political motives. The Election Commission issued a notification on August 7, 2025, setting August 21 as the deadline for filing nominations, with scrutiny on August 22 and withdrawals permitted until August 25. The elected vice president will serve a full five-year term, as per constitutional provisions.
The electoral math favors the NDA, which commands approximately 422 members in the combined strength of 781 members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A candidate needs 391 votes to win, assuming all eligible voters participate. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the INDIA bloc sees the contest as an opportunity to assert its relevance and challenge the NDA’s dominance.
Constitutional requirements for the vice president stipulate that the candidate must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and eligible for election to the Rajya Sabha. They must not hold any office of profit under the government. The Election Commission’s returning officer, Rajya Sabha Secretary General P C Mody, has already rejected three nomination papers for procedural errors, underscoring the scrutiny candidates will face.
As the INDIA bloc prepares for the election, its leaders are balancing strategic candidate selection with broader efforts to expose alleged electoral irregularities. The coming weeks will test the coalition’s ability to maintain its newfound cohesion and make a meaningful impact in the vice presidential race.
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