The Election Commission of India announced on Friday that Rajya Sabha Secretary General P C Mody has been appointed as the returning officer for the upcoming vice presidential election. This development follows the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday evening, who stepped down citing health issues, prompting the need for an early election to fill the vacancy.

The appointment was made in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice and with the approval of the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman, ensuring adherence to constitutional protocols. Mody, a seasoned administrator with extensive experience in parliamentary procedures, will oversee the election process to ensure its transparency and efficiency.

To support the election, the Election Commission has also appointed Garima Jain, Joint Secretary, and Vijay Kumar, Director at the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, as assistant returning officers. Their roles will involve assisting Mody in managing the logistical and procedural aspects of the election, which is expected to be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.

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The vice presidential election is likely to draw significant attention, as it will determine the successor to Dhankhar, who also served as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Election Commission has yet to announce the exact schedule for the election, but preparations are underway to ensure a smooth and fair process.

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