Why Are Three Parties Abstaining from the VP Election?
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Synopsis
In a surprising political twist, three parties, BJD, SAD, and BRS, have chosen to abstain from the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, citing various reasons. This decision, while seemingly minor, sets the stage for a contest between NDA's C.P. Radhakrishnan and the Opposition's B. Sudershan Reddy. What does this mean for the election dynamics?
Key Takeaways
- Three political parties have decided to abstain from the Vice-Presidential election.
- The NDA candidate is expected to win comfortably.
- Reasons for abstention include maintaining neutrality and addressing local issues.
- The electoral college consists of 781 members.
- A total of 391 votes is needed for victory.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) In a significant move, three political parties have opted to abstain from the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of Odisha, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) from Punjab, and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of Telangana have collectively decided to refrain from participating and will not align with any political faction.
This decision is unlikely to affect the electoral math, as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan, is on course for an easy win.
On Monday, the BJD, led by Naveen Patnaik, confirmed its abstention, emphasizing its long-standing policy of maintaining an “equidistant” position from both the BJP and the Congress party.
The decision was reached during a meeting of the party’s political affairs committee. Senior BJD leader and Rajya Sabha member Dr. Sasmit Patra shared, “The party has decided to abstain from the vice-presidential election... The BJD remains equidistant from both the NDA and the INDI Alliance. Our focus is solely on the development and welfare of Odisha’s 4.5 crore people.”
The BJD, which did not secure any seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, holds seven Rajya Sabha seats.
Similarly, the BRS announced its abstention on Monday, as declared by party working president K.T. Rama Rao. The BRS has four Rajya Sabha representatives and lacks Lok Sabha members.
Rama Rao mentioned that the decision was influenced by issues faced by farmers, especially the urea shortage in Telangana.
The SAD also revealed its intention to abstain from the election, citing the recent flood disaster in Punjab. The party has one MP, Harsimrat Kaur, who is the spouse of SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal and was elected from Bathinda during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The election is poised to be a direct contest between NDA's Radhakrishnan and the Opposition's B. Sudershan Reddy.
The electoral college for this Vice-Presidential election consists of 781 members, which includes 542 elected members of the Lok Sabha and 239 from the Rajya Sabha (with 233 elected and 12 nominated, alongside six vacancies across both Houses).
Each vote is equal in value, and the process is conducted via a secret ballot, adhering to standard parliamentary protocol. A total of 391 votes is required to secure victory.
The Vice Presidential position became vacant following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation on July 21, citing health concerns during the monsoon session of Parliament.
Political analysts anticipate a closely watched contest, yet the NDA appears to hold a numerical advantage across the two Houses.
Nonetheless, all attention is directed towards possible cross-voting and the results expected later today.
Point of View
My perspective aligns with the principles of transparency and impartiality. The recent decision by BJD, SAD, and BRS to abstain from the Vice-Presidential election reflects a complex political landscape, where parties are weighing their options carefully. It's crucial to consider the implications this has for national politics and governance, as we remain committed to informing the public accurately.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Which parties are abstaining from the Vice-Presidential election?
The parties abstaining from the Vice-Presidential election include the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
What is the reason for their abstention?
The reasons for abstention vary; BJD is maintaining an equidistant stance from both BJP and Congress, SAD cites flood disasters in Punjab, and BRS is addressing farmers' grievances related to urea shortages.
Who are the main candidates in the election?
The main candidates in the Vice-Presidential election are NDA's C.P. Radhakrishnan and the Opposition's B. Sudershan Reddy.
What is the required majority to win the election?
A total of 391 votes is needed to secure victory in the Vice-Presidential election.
How many members are in the electoral college?
The electoral college comprises 781 members, including 542 elected members of the Lok Sabha and 239 from the Rajya Sabha.
