Why Did Odisha’s BJD MP Abstain from the VP Election?
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Synopsis
As the Vice Presidential election unfolds, BJD MP Sulata Deo explains her party's abstention, prioritizing the interests of Odisha. With voting still in progress, the outcome remains uncertain. Discover the implications of this decision on Odisha and the ongoing political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- BJD's abstention reflects regional priorities.
- The Vice Presidential election is a significant political event.
- Voting is ongoing with uncertain results.
- Identical pens were provided for vote secrecy.
- Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda drew respect by arriving in a wheelchair to vote.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) As the voting process unfolds today for the vital Vice Presidential election, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sulata Deo has elucidated her party's choice to abstain from participating, emphasizing that this move is in the best interest of the residents of Odisha.
In an interview with IANS, Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo stated, “Our party is a regional entity, not a national one. The decision made by our leader, Naveen Patnaik, holds utmost significance for us. He crafted this decision with the welfare of the people of Odisha in mind, and we honor that. Therefore, we have opted not to vote.”
When questioned about the potential of the opposition candidate, Deo remarked that the results remain unpredictable until later in the day. “Voting is still ongoing. It's challenging to predict who will emerge victorious or defeated, particularly since no whip was issued for this election. The outcome will only be clear after the results are revealed tonight,” she continued.
The BJD, which did not succeed in making its mark in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has a total of seven Rajya Sabha MPs.
The Vice Presidential election commenced at 10 a.m. in the New Parliament Building and will run until 5 p.m., with the counting of votes scheduled to start at 6 p.m. The election is a direct contest between the NDA candidate, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, and the opposition INDIA bloc candidate, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to cast his vote, sharing on X, “Voted in the 2025 Vice President election.”
MPs from both the NDA and INDIA bloc have been steadily arriving to exercise their voting rights. All members received identical pens to maintain the secrecy of their votes.
Notably, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who is now a Rajya Sabha MP, arrived in a wheelchair to cast his vote, garnering respect from across party lines.
Despite abstentions from parties like the BJD, the NDA is perceived to have a numerical advantage; however, the opposition remains optimistic about potential cross-voting surprises as the contest for the nation’s second-highest constitutional position unfolds.
Point of View
The BJD's abstention from the Vice Presidential election reflects a strategic decision focused on regional priorities. While it may seem like a departure from national politics, it highlights the ongoing tension between regional and national interests in India's complex political landscape. The BJD's choice, influenced by its leadership, underscores the importance of local governance amid national electoral contests. Such decisions will continue to shape the political narrative as the country moves forward.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the BJD abstain from voting in the Vice Presidential election?
The BJD decided to abstain from voting to prioritize the interests of the people of Odisha, as explained by MP Sulata Deo.
What is the significance of the Vice Presidential election?
The Vice Presidential election holds critical importance as it determines the second-highest constitutional authority in India.
Who are the candidates in the Vice Presidential election?
The election features NDA nominee Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan and opposition INDIA bloc candidate former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy.
What is the voting timeline for this election?
Voting began at 10 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m., with counting starting at 6 p.m.
How many Rajya Sabha MPs does the BJD have?
The BJD has seven Rajya Sabha MPs.
