India's Crucial Vice Presidential Election: Navigating Constitutional Protocols

Following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation, an election to appoint the next vice president of India is imperative. The Constitution mandates a timely election to fill the vacancy. The vice president's critical role, including being ex-officio chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, is defined by specific constitutional parameters.

The resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as India's vice president has triggered a necessary constitutional process to appoint his successor. Under Clause 2 of Article 68 of the Constitution, the election needs to happen 'as soon as possible' following the vacancy.

The successor, once elected, is entitled to a full five-year term, starting from the date they assume office. However, the Constitution remains silent on interim arrangements if the sitting vice president resigns or when the vice president temporarily assumes presidential duties.

Critical to India's governance structure, the vice president acts as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, with these duties temporarily assumed by a deputy or an authorized Rajya Sabha member during vacancies. Eligibility for the vice presidency requires Indian citizenship, a minimum age of 35, among other criteria, excluding those holding any profit offices under government jurisdiction.

(With inputs from agencies.)