The Election of the 17th Vice-President of India: Process and Political Significance
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (The Executive - Vice-President: election, qualifications, functions; Parliament - Rajya Sabha).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies; Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. The role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is a key topic.
Key Highlights from the News
C.P. Radhakrishnan, the NDA candidate, was elected as the 17th Vice-President of India.
The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament.
In this election, cross-voting from the opposition ranks was evident. The NDA candidate received more votes than expected.
The Vice-President of India will serve as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
A key responsibility of the Vice-President is to uphold the values of parliamentary democracy and ensure due space and respect for the opposition in the House.
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