Is the INDIA Bloc Confident of Victory Without Cross-Voting?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- B. Sudershan Reddy expresses confidence in victory.
- No claims of cross-voting from Reddy.
- Election holds significant political weight.
- Vote counting is scheduled for today.
- All parties are uniting for a common goal.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) INDIA bloc nominee B. Sudershan Reddy stated on Tuesday his certainty in securing victory in the Vice-Presidential election, emphasizing that he never indicated any possibility of cross-voting.
The election features a contest between NDA's candidate, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, and the INDIA bloc's B. Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge.
Addressing reporters, Reddy remarked, “I am very confident about the win. I am solely aiming to awaken the public's conscience. I did not claim that cross-voting would occur.”
Vote counting is scheduled for later today, followed by the announcement of results.
This election is politically significant since the Vice President also functions as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, making this role vital for Parliament's operations.
Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed optimism in Reddy's victory.
Kharge stated, “Our Opposition candidate is sure to win. All parties are uniting in the spirit of democracy to ensure Sudershan Reddy's victory; that is our only goal.”
The electoral college for the Vice Presidential election consists of 781 members, including 542 elected Lok Sabha members and 239 Rajya Sabha members (233 elected and 12 nominated, with six vacancies across both Houses).
Every vote carries equal weight, and the voting process follows a secret ballot as per parliamentary protocol. A total of 391 votes is required to achieve a majority.
The Vice Presidential position opened up after Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation on July 21, due to health issues, coinciding with the first day of Parliament's monsoon session.
Political analysts anticipate a closely watched competition, though the NDA is perceived to have a numerical edge based on the combined strength of both Houses.
Nevertheless, all attention is on potential cross-voting and the results expected this evening.