<h1>Secret-ballot vice-presidential vote between ruling coalition nominee and opposition former judge; MPs free from party whips, majority 391</h1> A vice-presidential election will be held by secret ballot between the ruling coalition nominee and a joint-opposition former judge; MPs are not bound by party whips. Voting runs 10 AM-5 PM with counting at 6 PM. The electoral college totals 788 members (245 Rajya Sabha, 543 Lok Sabha) but current strength is 781 due to seven vacancies, making a majority 391. The ruling bloc holds 425 declared backing, opposition 324, with some regional parties abstaining or supporting the government. Campaign issues included the judge's past rulings on anti-Naxalite militias and black-money probes, which opponents and supporters have highlighted.