The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed two senior officers as Observers to oversee the upcoming Vice Presidential election, scheduled for September 9. The poll will see a direct contest between Justice (Retd.) B Sudershan Reddy, supported by the Opposition’s INDIA bloc, and the NDA candidate, C P Radhakrishnan.

The last date for filing nominations is August 21, while the deadline for withdrawal of nominations is August 25. The Vice President’s post became vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, citing health reasons, on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

According to the ECI, Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and D. Anandan, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, have been appointed as Observers. Additionally, Nitin Kumar Shivdas Khade, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development, has been placed on the reserve list.

Earlier in the day, Justice (Retd.) B Sudershan Reddy filed his nomination for the Vice President’s post, calling it an “honour” and pledging to uphold impartiality, dignity, and constitutional values if elected. He was accompanied by senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

In his statement after filing the nomination, Reddy expressed his commitment to democratic principles, stating, “My life in public service — as a judge of the Supreme Court of India, as a student of law, and as a citizen rooted in the democratic traditions of this Republic — has taught me that the true strength of India lies in the dignity of every individual, the protection of constitutional morality, and unity in diversity. This election is not merely about one individual.”