Why Rajya Sabha may not see a new Chairman before Monsoon Session ends

Indian Express

23-07-2025

With the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) formally notifying Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as Vice-President on Tuesday, the ball is now in the Election Commission's court to begin the process of electing his successor. While the law does not prescribe a deadline for holding vice-presidential elections – unlike presidential polls, which must be held within six months of a vacancy – it is unlikely that a new Vice-President will be in place before the Monsoon Session ends.
This is because, under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, the Election Commission is bound by a 30 to 32-day statutory timeline once it notifies the election schedule.
The law allows 14 days for filing nominations by candidates, followed by one day for scrutiny and a two-day window for withdrawal of candidatures. If a poll is required, it must be held no earlier than 15 days after the withdrawal deadline – making it at least 32 days from notification to result.
The Commission typically takes about two to three weeks before issuing the election notification — a public notice inviting nominations and specifying the place for submission of nomination papers — to prepare for the electoral process. This preparatory period includes updating the electoral college list – comprising all Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members — and printing ballot papers with counterfoils, in formats and languages approved by the EC. The names of candidates must appear in the same order as in the final list of contesting candidates, as per Rule 6 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.
According to sources in the Commission, no formal meeting has been held on the matter yet, as the EC is waiting for the MHA to officially forward the resignation notification. There could be one tomorrow.
As a result, even if the EC were to begin preparations immediately, the election process is unlikely to conclude before the Monsoon Session ends on August 12. The Rajya Sabha, therefore, may only get to welcome its new Chairperson in the Winter Session, expected in November-December.
On Monday night, in a surprise announcement, Dhankhar stepped down from the Vice-President's post, nearly two years before the end of his five-year term, citing health concerns.
In less than 24 hours, his resignation was notified via a gazette notification signed by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. 'The following resignation of Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice-President of India, is hereby published for general information,' the notification stated. Earlier in the day, the Rajya Sabha was informed about the MHA's notification, and Tuesday's proceedings were chaired by Deputy Chairman Harivansh.
Ritika Chopra, an award-winning journalist with over 17 years of experience, serves as the Chief of the National Bureau (Govt) and National Education Editor at The Indian Express in New Delhi. In her current role, she oversees the newspaper's coverage of government policies and education. Ritika closely tracks the Union Government, focusing on the politically sensitive Election Commission of India and the Education Ministry, and has authored investigative stories that have prompted government responses.
Ritika joined The Indian Express in 2015. Previously, she was part of the political bureau at The Economic Times, India's largest financial daily. Her journalism career began in Kolkata, her birthplace, with the Hindustan Times in 2006 as an intern, before moving to Delhi in 2007. Since then, she has been reporting from the capital on politics, education, social sectors, and the Election Commission of India. ... Read More