Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 10: The opposition INDIA bloc is set to field a joint candidate for the upcoming vice presidential election on September 9, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge initiating outreach to allied parties to build consensus on potential nominees, sources confirmed on Sunday.
While there has been no formal discussion yet, backchannel talks are underway. Sources indicated a shared sentiment within the bloc — the opposition must not shy away from the contest, regardless of the outcome, to send a strong political message.
Though some leaders within the bloc suggest waiting for the BJP-led NDA to announce its candidate, there is broad agreement that unity in approach is key.
Ongoing Unity Push
This development comes amid renewed cohesion among INDIA bloc constituents, who recently joined forces to challenge the Special Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and alleged election irregularities.
On Thursday, a dinner meeting at Rahul Gandhi’s residence brought together leaders from 25 parties, including Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, Tejashwi Yadav, Abhishek Banerjee, Mehbooba Mufti, and Kamal Haasan. Congress' KC Venugopal called it “one of the most successful” INDIA bloc gatherings.
While the vice presidential poll wasn't a major topic at the meeting, discussions are expected to intensify, with Kharge hosting another dinner for INDIA bloc MPs on Monday.
Election Details & Numbers
The vice presidential election follows Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation on August 4, citing medical reasons. The Election Commission has set August 21 as the last date for filing nominations, with voting on September 9.
• Total electoral college: 781 (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha members, including nominated ones)
• Majority mark: 391
• NDA strength: Approximately 422 – indicating a clear edge unless cross-voting occurs.
Despite the numbers favouring the NDA, the INDIA bloc's decision to contest is aimed at reinforcing opposition unity and political relevance.
Candidate Criteria
As per the Constitution:
• The candidate must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and eligible for Rajya Sabha membership.
• The individual must not hold any office of profit under the central or state governments.
If elected mid-term, the new Vice President will serve a full five-year term.
The INDIA bloc is expected to firm up its candidate choice in the coming days, with Kharge leading the coordination efforts to maintain the bloc’s unified stand.