Did MPs who voted for NDA's VP candidate act in national interest?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- MPs voted in favor of NDA candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan.
- Political tensions are high as both sides express confidence.
- Radhakrishnan has substantial experience in governance.
- Opposition bloc aims to challenge the NDA's numerical advantage.
- Current election follows Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) - As the election for the Vice Presidency is in progress, BJP MP Ghulam Ali Khatana remarked on Tuesday that those MPs who cast their votes for the NDA's candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan, have prioritized the country's interests.
In an interview with IANS, Khatana stated, “The MPs have supported NDA's nominee Radhakrishnan. Their votes are in favor of the nation. We anticipate that there will be significant discussions, Zero Hour, and Debate Hour in Parliament, empowering the MPs. Radhakrishnan possesses the requisite experience and the ability to listen. Leaders focused on the country's welfare will thrive under his guidance.”
He further expressed, “We are hopeful that the leaders from the INDIA Bloc who also act in the national interest will cast their votes in our favor.”
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey expressed optimism regarding the opposition's prospects, asserting that the numbers seem to favor the INDIA Bloc.
The election for the 15th Vice President follows the unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar a mere two months ago. Members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are currently deciding between the NDA candidate, CP Radhakrishnan, and the INDIA Bloc’s nominee, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy.
As the voting continues, political tensions have escalated, with both factions exhibiting confidence and exchanging pointed remarks. While the ruling NDA asserts a clear trajectory to victory, opposition figures are rallying behind their candidate and seeking cross-party support.
JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar, in an interview with IANS, vehemently criticized the opposition's outreach tactics.
“The NDA hoped for a unanimous decision in the Vice Presidential election, but the opposition was unwilling. Their candidate, B. Sudershan Reddy, is seeking support from Lalu Yadav, who lacks voting rights. Instead of reaching out to Tejashwi Yadav or Manoj Jha, he chose to consult someone outside the voting process, which reflects the opposition's mindset. The NDA is certain to triumph today,” he asserted.
While the outcome of the VP election is not anticipated to bring any substantial surprises, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, endorsing CP Radhakrishnan, holds a numerical edge. Nevertheless, the INDIA Bloc, supported by various opposition parties, aims to present a formidable challenge.
The ruling NDA has nominated Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan for the nation’s second-highest constitutional role, while the opposition bloc has proposed former Supreme Court judge Sudershan Reddy.
Radhakrishnan, a veteran of the BJP, has served as a two-time MP from Coimbatore during the administration of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Additionally, he was the Governor of Jharkhand before taking office as the Governor of Maharashtra in July 2024.
Sudershan Reddy, a distinguished jurist recognized for several landmark rulings, held the position of Supreme Court judge from 2007 until his retirement in 2011. He was also appointed as the inaugural Lokayukta of Goa, although he resigned within seven months due to personal reasons. He is notably known for deeming the Salwa Judum—an anti-Naxal civilian militia initiated by the Chhattisgarh government—as unconstitutional.