Ever wondered what happens if the President of India catches a nasty flu or, more seriously, has to step away from the job? That’s where the V P of India comes in. Most people think of the Vice President as a ceremonial figurehead, someone who just cuts ribbons or attends funerals in foreign countries.
Honestly, that’s a bit of a misconception.
The role is actually a weird, high-stakes balancing act. One minute you're a silent backup, and the next, you're the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha, trying to keep a room full of shouting politicians from descending into total chaos. It’s a job of "dual identities." As of late 2025, the office has seen some major shifts, especially with the transition from Jagdeep Dhankhar—who resigned citing health reasons—to the current incumbent, C. P. Radhakrishnan.
🔗 Read more: St Joseph County Indiana Auditor: Why This Office Actually Matters to Your Wallet
Radhakrishnan took the oath on September 12, 2025. It wasn't just a routine swap; it marked a specific moment in Indian politics where the "spare tire" role started looking a lot more like a steering wheel.
What Does a V P of India Actually Do?
If you look at the Constitution, Articles 63 to 71 lay out the ground rules. But the day-to-day is way more interesting than the legalese. Basically, the Vice President has two completely different hats.
1. The Backup Plan
The V P of India is the second-highest constitutional office. If the President dies, resigns, or is removed (which hasn't happened yet via impeachment), the VP steps up. But they don't become the President permanently like in the US. They are an "acting" President for a maximum of six months until a new election is held.
2. The Rajya Sabha Referee
This is where the real work happens. The V P of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Think of it like being a referee in a high-intensity soccer match where everyone is arguing about the rules at the same time.
- You decide who gets to speak.
- You interpret the rules of the house.
- You can even suspend members if they get too rowdy.
It’s a tough gig. You have to be neutral, even if you were a hardcore party member just a few weeks before getting elected. If there’s a tie in a vote, the VP gets the "casting vote" to break it. Otherwise, they usually don't vote at all.
How Do You Even Get the Job?
You can't just run a traditional campaign and ask the public for votes. The V P of India is elected through an "electoral college." But unlike the Presidential election, the state MLAs (Members of Legislative Assemblies) don't get a say here.
It’s strictly a Parliament affair.
Only the members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha vote. This includes the nominated members too. It’s a secret ballot using a system called "proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote." Sounds complicated, right? Basically, voters rank their choices.
To be eligible, you've got to meet these benchmarks:
- You must be a citizen of India (obviously).
- At least 35 years old.
- Qualified to be a member of the Rajya Sabha.
- You can't hold any "office of profit." This means you can't be working a side job for the government that pays you while you're trying to be VP.
The Pay and the Perks (The 2026 Reality)
Let’s talk money. Interestingly, the V P of India doesn't technically get a salary for being the Vice President. They get paid in their capacity as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
As of early 2026, the monthly salary sits at ₹4,00,000.
But the "salary" is only part of the deal. You get the Vice President's Enclave at 108, Church Road in New Delhi. You get Z+ security, which is the highest level of protection in the country. There’s a whole fleet of cars, free medical care, and a pension that’s half the salary once you retire.
It’s a life of high-level service, but it comes with intense scrutiny. Every word the VP says in the Rajya Sabha is recorded and analyzed by the media.
The Evolution: From Radhakrishnan to Radhakrishnan
It’s a bit of a historical coincidence. The first V P of India was the legendary scholar Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He set the tone for the office as one of dignity and intellectual depth. Fast forward to 2026, and we have C. P. Radhakrishnan in the seat.
In between, the office has seen some giants.
V.V. Giri was the first to actually use the "acting President" power when Zakir Husain passed away in 1969. Then there was Mohammad Hamid Ansari, who served two full terms and worked under three different Presidents.
The job has changed. It used to be a retirement home for elder statesmen. Now, it’s a strategic position. Jagdeep Dhankhar, the previous VP, was very vocal and often clashed with the opposition in the house. He brought a "legalistic" style to the chair, often quoting the Constitution to settle disputes.
Why Most People Underestimate the Office
We tend to focus on the Prime Minister because that’s where the executive power lives. But the V P of India is the bridge. When the PM goes abroad, the VP is often the one hosting foreign dignitaries. They are the "Chancellor" of many central universities.
If the VP isn't doing their job well, the Rajya Sabha—the "House of Elders"—grinds to a halt. Legislation can't pass. Budgets get delayed.
✨ Don't miss: Shooting in Asbury Park Today: What We Know and What the Neighborhood Is Saying
Common Misconceptions
- "The VP is the President's assistant." Nope. They are independent. The President can't fire the VP. Only the Rajya Sabha can remove them through a specific resolution.
- "It’s a powerless role." Tell that to a member of Parliament who just got suspended by the VP for the rest of the session.
- "The VP can do whatever they want in the Rajya Sabha." Actually, their decisions can be challenged, and they have to follow the "Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business."
Practical Takeaways: What You Need to Know
If you're following Indian politics or preparing for a competitive exam, the V P of India is a topic that pops up constantly. Here is the "cheat sheet" of what actually matters right now:
- Current Status: C. P. Radhakrishnan is the man in the chair. He took over after Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation in 2025.
- Removal Process: It’s easier than the President's. No "impeachment" is needed. The Rajya Sabha passes a resolution with an effective majority, and the Lok Sabha just has to agree.
- Acting President Limits: Remember, they only hold the fort for 6 months. They don't finish the previous President's term like in the US.
- No Second Vote: The VP only votes when there is a tie. This is called a "Casting Vote" under Article 100.
The V P of India might not always be in the headlines, but they are the literal heartbeat of the Indian Parliament. Without them, the gears of democracy would definitely start to squeak.
If you want to stay updated on the latest rulings from the Rajya Sabha chair or see the VP's latest international visits, the official PIB (Press Information Bureau) feed is the only place to get the raw, unedited facts. Watching the live Rajya Sabha TV (now Sansad TV) is also a great way to see the VP in action, managing the chaos of the upper house in real-time. Knowing who holds this office isn't just trivia; it's about understanding who holds the keys to the country when the lights go out at Rashtrapati Bhavan.