Is Giriraj Singh Right to Critique the INDIA Bloc's VP Nominee?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Giriraj Singh questions the morality of INDIA bloc's VP nominee.
- The election is crucial for the NDA and the INDIA bloc.
- All votes are equal and conducted via secret ballot.
- The Vice President chairs the Rajya Sabha.
- Political observers anticipate a competitive race.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized the INDIA bloc's Vice-Presidential candidate, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy, for his meeting with RJD leader Lalu Yadav, a convict in the fodder scam.
"I’ve heard he was a judge. Who does he choose to meet? A person convicted in the fodder scam. Yet, he continues to speak on morality," Singh remarked to reporters.
This statement comes as the Vice-Presidential election is taking place at the New Parliament building in New Delhi. The election features a contest between the NDA nominee, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, and the INDIA bloc's B. Sudershan Reddy.
Singh expressed confidence in the NDA candidate's success, stating, "The NDA's victory is as certain as the Sun rising in the East."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other parliamentarians, including Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Kiren Rijiju, as well as leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, also participated in the voting process.
Votes will be counted in the evening, with results soon to follow.
This election is politically significant, as the Vice President also acts as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, making the role essential in Parliament's operation.
The electoral college for the Vice Presidential election consists of 781 members, including 542 elected members of the Lok Sabha and 239 members of the Rajya Sabha (with 233 elected and 12 nominated, along with six vacancies in both Houses).
All votes hold equal weight, and the voting is conducted via a secret ballot, adhering to parliamentary norms. A total of 391 votes is required for a majority win.
The vacancy for the Vice President's position arose after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21 due to health issues, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Political analysts are anticipating a closely watched race, although the NDA is perceived to have a numerical edge across both Houses.
Nevertheless, the spotlight remains on potential cross-voting and the outcome later today.