Is BJD's Abstention a Sign of Support for Radhakrishnan?
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Synopsis
In a surprising political move, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has decided to abstain from voting in the Vice Presidential elections. This decision, interpreted by the BJP as an indirect endorsement of their candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan, raises questions about BJD's political strategy and its implications for Odisha's future. Dive into the details of this unfolding political drama.
Key Takeaways
- BJD's abstention from Vice Presidential voting indicates a strategic neutrality.
- The BJP views this as indirect support for their candidate.
- Naveen Patnaik aims to focus on Odisha's development and welfare.
- The Vice Presidential election is set for September 9.
- The BJD has a history of varied support in past elections.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 8 (NationPress) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the opposition party in Odisha, has announced its decision to abstain from the upcoming Vice Presidential vote, as stated by senior BJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra on Monday. The BJP has responded by claiming that this abstention indicates an indirect endorsement of their candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan.
According to Patra, following discussions led by party president Naveen Patnaik with senior leaders, the Political Affairs Committee, and MPs, the BJD has resolved to remain neutral in the elections scheduled for tomorrow.
“The BJD positions itself equidistantly from both the NDA and the INDIA Bloc. Our primary focus remains the development and welfare of the people of Odisha,” Patra remarked.
Reports suggest that Patnaik conferred with BJD Rajya Sabha MPs in New Delhi on this matter.
The regional party boasts seven MPs in the Rajya Sabha but has no representation in the Lok Sabha.
This marks a continuation of the BJD's previous stance during the 2012 Vice Presidential elections when they chose to neither favor the BJP candidate Jaswant Singh nor the Congress candidate Hamid Ansari.
In 2017, the BJD supported the UPA candidate, Gopal Krishna Gandhi, for the Vice President role, while in 2022, it backed the NDA candidate, Jagdeep Dhankhar.
In response to the BJD's decision, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party emphasized that abstaining from the vote signifies indirect support for their candidate. Union Minister Jual Oram stated, “By choosing to abstain, the BJD and Naveen Babu are indirectly backing us.”
The voting for the vacant Vice Presidential position will take place on September 9, where the BJP-led NDA has nominated veteran leader and Maharashtra Governor, C.P. Radhakrishnan, while the INDIA Bloc has nominated former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize that the BJU's decision to abstain reflects their strategic positioning between the NDA and the INDIA Bloc. This neutrality aims to focus on Odisha's welfare, yet it raises questions about their long-term political alliances and the implications for their constituency. The evolving dynamics in Odisha politics warrant close observation as they unfold.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the BJD's abstention mean?
The BJD's abstention from voting indicates a neutral stance, but the BJP interprets it as indirect support for their candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan.
Who is C.P. Radhakrishnan?
C.P. Radhakrishnan is the BJP's candidate for the Vice President position, currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra.
When is the Vice Presidential election taking place?
The Vice Presidential election is scheduled for September 9.
How many MPs does the BJD have?
The BJD currently has seven MPs in the Rajya Sabha.
What was the BJD's stance in past elections?
The BJD has previously abstained from voting in 2012 and supported the UPA candidate in 2017 and the NDA candidate in 2022.
