What Happened at the BJP Meeting with PM Modi Ahead of the Vice-Presidential Election?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Modi attended a two-day BJP MPs workshop.
- The workshop focused on preparing MPs for the Vice Presidential elections.
- A mock poll was conducted to train MPs on the voting process.
- The election features a competitive 'South vs South' battle.
- Reddy has been portrayed as a champion of social causes by the Opposition.
New Delhi, Sep 7 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a two-day workshop for BJP MPs, taking place at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium within the Parliament complex.
Sharing his thoughts on X, PM Modi remarked: "I attended the ‘Sansad Karyashala’ in Delhi, where MP colleagues from across India and senior leaders exchanged insightful perspectives on various topics."
He emphasized, "Such platforms like ‘Sansad Karyashala’ are crucial for us as they provide excellent opportunities to learn from one another and discuss how we can enhance our service to the public."
It’s important to highlight that this two-day workshop was organized by the BJP in preparation for the upcoming Vice-Presidential elections on September 9.
Sources indicate that the workshop featured a mock poll to educate MPs about the voting process.
The BJP-led NDA has ramped up its preparations, ensuring thorough groundwork for the Vice Presidential election. This workshop is expected to include a presentation aimed at informing MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha about the election procedures.
This year’s Vice Presidential election is characterized as a ‘South vs South’ showdown, with NDA candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu (known for his longstanding ties with RSS) and opposition candidate B. Sudarshan Reddy from Telangana (a former Supreme Court judge).
The Vice President is elected by an electoral college made up of members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The electoral college for 2025 consists of 788 members, including 233 elected members (five seats currently vacant in the upper house) and 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha, as well as 543 elected members of the Lok Sabha (one seat vacant in the lower house).
Currently, the electoral college comprises 782 members due to these vacancies. The election employs a secret ballot and follows a proportional representation system with a single transferable vote.
Former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy was announced as the united Opposition parties’ candidate for the Vice-Presidential election on August 19 — a contest described by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as an “ideological battle.”
Introducing Reddy as a “pro-poor advocate and champion of economic and social causes,” Kharge stated that he embodies values rooted in our freedom struggle and fundamental to our Constitution and democracy.
“These values are presently under threat, which is why the Opposition has chosen to contest this ideological battle together,” he added.
Reddy, who has practiced law in Andhra Pradesh and served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, was appointed to the Supreme Court in January 2007 and retired in July 2011.
The name of Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as the Vice Presidential candidate was revealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President J.P. Nadda on August 12.
The Vice Presidential election became necessary following the mid-term resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who left the position for medical reasons.
The Vice President also holds the title of ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, adding significant political weight to the role.