The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated preparations for the Vice-Presidential Election, 2025 after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned early this week from the constitutional post.
An official order issued today said, Rajya Sabha Secretary General has been appointed the Returning Officer for the election in accordance with the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
The appointment was made in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice and with the approval of the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Alongside the Returning Officer, two Assistant Returning Officers have also been named: Garima Jain, Joint Secretary, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, and Vijay Kumar, Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
As per Article 324 of the Constitution, the Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting the election to the office of the Vice President.
“Under Section 3 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, the Election Commission, in consultation with the Central Government, appoints a Returning Officer, who shall have his office in New Delhi, and may also appoint one or more Assistant Returning Officers. As per convention, either Secretary General, Lok Sabha or the Secretary General, Rajya Sabha is appointed as the Returning Officer by rotation.
“During the last Vice-Presidential election, the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha was appointed as the Returning ,” the official order said.
The requisite gazette notification is being issued separately today, the notice further added.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar had tendered his resignation on Monday evening, citing health concerns. In a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, he stated that his decision to step down was made “to prioritise health care and adhere to medical advice.”
