‘We already know': What Shashi Tharoor said on Vice President race, and what he hopes for NDA to do
'All we know is that it will be somebody whom the ruling party nominates, as we already know the composition of the electorate,' Tharoor said, speaking to reporters.
He added, "We hope they consult the Opposition, too, but who knows?"
The Kerala MP has been making headlines for reported friction with his party Congress, particularly after he was chosen by the Modi government for the multi-party delegations to take India's anti-terror message to foreign countries after the Pahalgam terror attack and India's strikes against Pakistan under Operation Sindoor.
The Congress took exception to the way he was chosen without asking the party; and then to his praise for Modi on that trip to the US and other countries.
Despite his being a former global diplomat and a minister in the Congress-led UPA government before Narendra Modi came to power, his party did not list him as a speaker when Parliament debated on Operation Sindoor over the past week.
Tharoor had simply said 'maunvrat' (vow of silence) when asked about not being among the speakers.
Jagdeep Dhankhar suddenly resigned amid the debate — reasons are still a subject of speculation — necessitating the election.
Explaining the mechanics of the Vice Presidential election, Tharoor noted that, unlike the Presidential vote, which includes state assemblies, the Vice President is elected solely by members of Parliament.
Despite the NDA's evident numerical edge, he said he hoped that the Opposition would also be consulted in the process.
Vice Presidential election
The election for the post of Vice President will be held on September 9 and is set to be a keen contest with the Congress-led Opposition likely to field a common candidate to take on the BJP-led NDA which has the numbers on its side.
If necessary, the polling will take place in room number F-101, Vasudha, on the first floor of the Parliament building on September 9 between 10 am and 5 pm. The results will be announced on the same day.
Jagdeep Dhankhar's surprise resignation on July 21 marked the first time an incumbent had stepped down mid-term and did not seek a higher office. At the time of his resignation, Dhankhar had over two years of tenure left.
Electoral college for the VP election
The Electoral College for the election comprises members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The nominated members of the Rajya Sabha are also eligible to vote.
This means 233 elected and 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha, and 543 members of the Lok Sabha.
There are currently five vacancies in Rajya Sabha and one in Lok Sabha, pegging the effective strength of the electoral college at 782.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
22 minutes ago
- Hans India
Sonia, Priyanka, other Opposition leaders protest against SIR in Parliament premises
Several MPs of the INDIA bloc parties, including Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, staged a protest in the Parliament House complex on Tuesday against the Election Commission's voter roll revision in Bihar, and demanded its rollback. With banners and posters against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, as well as other opposition MPs raised slogans and demanded a rollback of the SIR as they stage their protest near Parliament's Makar Dwar. This was the tenth day of their protest with only one day gap in between on Monday when the opposition skipped their protest in view of the demise of former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren. There were two huge banners in front of the protesting MPs -- one in Hindi and the other in English -- which read 'Our Vote. Our Right. Our Fight.' Another banner carried by the protesting MPs read 'SIR - Silent Invisible Rigging'. With 'Stop SIR' placards along with posters, alleging collusion between the EC and the government, in hand, the MPs of the opposition, including those of the Congress, DMK, TMC, and Left parties, among others, participated in the protest and raised slogans. The opposition has been protesting in both Houses of Parliament against the SIR, alleging the EC's exercise was aimed at "disenfranchising voters" in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections. They have been demanding a discussion on the issue in both Houses.
News18
22 minutes ago
- News18
PM Modi Says Opposition Is Regretting Op Sindoor Debate, Mentions Kashmir On Art 370 Anniversary
Curated By : Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 11:01 IST File photo PM Modi in Lok Sabha. (Sansad TV) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, marking the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, and used the occasion to hit out at the Opposition for 'misplaying" its hand during the recent debate on Operation Sindoor. 'On August 5, we abrogated Article 370. On August 5, we laid the foundation of the Ram Mandir. And now, on August 5, look at the Opposition, where else will you find such an Opposition that hurts its own foot by demanding a debate on Operation Sindoor?" the Prime Minister said, in a sharp jibe. Referring to the security situation in Kashmir, he reiterated that while the Opposition frequently speaks of the Constitution, it was the BJP-led NDA government that truly applied the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir by removing Article 370, a move that integrated the region fully with the Indian Union. 'They speak about the Constitution, but never allowed it to be fully implemented in J&K," he said. Operation Sindoor Debate Backfires On Opposition: PM Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Prime Minister claimed the Opposition had miscalculated by pushing for a debate on Operation Sindoor, India's retaliatory strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror attack. 'The Opposition insisted on a debate. But they got thrashed in the discussion, and now they must be regretting it. They lost the chance to corner the government and instead exposed their lack of coherence and national perspective," he said. News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More view comments News india PM Modi Says Opposition Is Regretting Op Sindoor Debate, Mentions Kashmir On Art 370 Anniversary Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
Hindustan Times
22 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Resolution praising armed forces passed in PM Modi-led NDA parliamentary meeting
A resolution saluting the valour of the armed forces was passed at the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Operation Sindoor was executed in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. (PTI photo) The meeting which was held on the backdrop of the May 7 military strike, saluted 'the unmatched courage and unwavering commitment of our armed forces, who showed heroic valour during Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev.' 'Their courage highlights their unflinching devotion to protecting our nation. We pay our deepest condolences and respects to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack,' the resolution said. The lawmakers from the BJP and its allies, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal United (JDU) and other parties also felicitated the 'exceptional leadership' displayed by PM Modi. 'His unwavering resolve, visionary statesmanship and resolute command have not only steered the nation with purpose but also ignited a renewed spirit of unity and pride in the hearts of all Indians,' it said. Operation Sindoor was executed in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which India said was perpetuated by Pakistan-based terrorist group The Resistance Front (TRF), a front and proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attack left 26 dead. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi launches development projects worth ₹13,480 crore in Bihar's Madhubani According to people aware of the details, the lawmakers applauded the PM's resolve to give a befitting response to the perpetrators and fulfill the vow he had made while delivering a speech in Bihar's Madhubani. The resolution also appreciated the firmness with which PM Modi highlighted the new normal, which shall define our approach to such challenges. 'First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge. Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail. Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism,' the resolution noted. A reference was also made to the government's focus to indigenisation and to the diplomatic outreach that was launched post the operation. 'The Prime Minister ensured 59 Members of Parliament from across parties visited 32 countries to present India's point of view. This is one of the most comprehensive global outreach ever launched by India, highlighting how the country has been a victim of terror and why a terror attack in any one part of the world is a crime against humanity across the globe. The participation of Opposition MPs shows the maturity of our democracy and the statesmanship of the Prime Minister, who believes that in matters of national interest, we are all together,' it said.
