17th Vice-President of India: C.P. Radhakrishnan

C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, has been chosen as the 17th Vice President of India.

• He secured 452 first preferential votes, defeating the Opposition’s joint candidate Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, who got 300 votes.
• The margin of victory was 152 votes.
• About 98.2% of the electoral college, including members from both Houses of Parliament, took part.
• A total of 14 members refrained from casting their vote, while 15 ballots were deemed invalid.

Key Points from the Election:

Total Electoral College Strength: 788 (Rajya Sabha 245 + Lok Sabha 543).

Present Strength on Voting Day: 781 (Rajya Sabha 239 + Lok Sabha 542).

Votes Polled: 767 valid votes.

Result:

• C.P. Radhakrishnan (NDA) – 452 votes.
• B. Sudershan Reddy (Opposition) – 300 votes.

Cross Voting: NDA managed to gain at least 13 extra votes from the Opposition camp.

PM Narendra Modi’s Congratulatory Message: He praised Radhakrishnan’s lifelong work for society and empowerment of the marginalized.

Procedure of Election of the Vice-President:

The process for electing India’s Vice-President is detailed in Article 66 of the Constitution.

Electoral College:

• Members from both Houses of Parliament, namely the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
• Nominated members of both Houses also participate, unlike in the Presidential election.

Voting System:

• Single transferable vote system.
• Voting is done by secret ballot.
• MPs rank candidates in order of preference.

Returning Officer:

• The Returning Officer’s role in the Rajya Sabha is performed by the Secretary-General.

Eligibility Criteria (Article 66(3)):

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Minimum age: 35 years.
• Should possess the eligibility required for election to the Rajya Sabha.
• They are not permitted to occupy any office of profit under either the Central or State Government.

 About Vice-President of India :

In India, the Vice-President holds the second-highest position in the constitutional hierarchy, after the President.The provisions related to this office are enshrined in Articles 63 to 71 of the Indian Constitution.

Article 63 – Office of Vice-President:

“There shall be a Vice-President of India.”

• The Constitution requires establishing the position of Vice-President.
• It is a permanent constitutional position, similar to the office of the President.

Article 64 – The Vice-President serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

The Vice-President serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and is prohibited from holding any other office that yields profit.

• The Vice-President mainly serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, functioning in a role comparable to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
• Not allowed to occupy any position that generates personal profit, ensuring independence and impartiality.

Article 65 – Vice-President to Act as President:

• In the event of:

• In the event of the President’s death, resignation, removal, or inability to perform duties, the Vice-President assumes the role of President of India until a new President is elected or the incumbent returns to office.

• The Vice-President does not automatically become President, unlike the U.S. model.
• Can serve as President for up to six months, during which a new election must take place.

Article 66 – Election of Vice-President:

The procedure of election is laid down under this Article.

Key provisions:

Electoral College:

• Representatives from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
• Nominated members also participate, unlike in the Presidential election.

Voting System:

• Representation based on proportionality using a single transferable vote system.
• A secret ballot is used.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Minimum age: 35 years.
• Must fulfill the eligibility requirements to serve as a Rajya Sabha member.
• Cannot hold any office of profit under:

• Government of India,
• State Government, or
• Any local authority controlled by the Government.

Article 67 – Term of Office:

• Duration: Five years starting from the assumption of office.
• Resignation: Can resign by writing to the President.
• Removal:

• It can be repealed through a Rajya Sabha resolution approved by a majority of its members and subsequently accepted by the Lok Sabha.
• A notice period of 14 days is required prior to passing such a resolution.

Article 68 – Time of Holding Elections:

• Elections to fill a vacancy must be completed before the expiry of the term.
• If a position becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or removal, a new election should be conducted at the earliest opportunity.

Article 69 – Oath or Affirmation:

• The Vice-President must take an oath or make a formal affirmation prior to taking office.
• Oath is administered by the President of India.

Article 70 – Performing the President’s Duties in Other Situations

• Parliament may make laws to determine who will discharge the functions of the President, if both the offices of President and Vice-President fall vacant simultaneously.

Article 71 – Issues Related to Elections or Their Proceedings

• The Supreme Court has the final authority to adjudicate disputes related to:

• The election of the Vice-President, or
• Any matter connected with such elections.

History of the Vice-President of India:

The post was created in 1952, similar to the U.S. model but with a few differences.