New Delhi, Aug 18 (NationPress) Leaders from the INDIA bloc conveyed their hope on Monday that C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, will maintain the dignity of the Vice Presidential office and respect the parliamentary traditions if he is elected. The NDA, led by the BJP, has put forward Radhakrishnan as their candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election on September 9. This election follows Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation on July 21, which he attributed to health concerns, tendering his resignation directly to President Droupadi Murmu.

In an interview with IANS, Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena (UBT) remarked, "He is a non-controversial figure and has experience as the Governor of Jharkhand and as a Member of Parliament. He is also associated with the BJP. We are optimistic that he will uphold the dignity of the office if he wins.

She further mentioned that a decision on whether the INDIA bloc will propose its own candidate or support Radhakrishnan will be made by the alliance's leadership.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat, in extending his wishes, highlighted the significance of impartiality. "I wish him all the best. It is crucial that, if elected, he serves as the Vice President of India and not merely as the Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party. This is our expectation for the dignity of the office," Bhagat communicated to IANS.

He also expressed hope that Radhakrishnan would adhere to parliamentary traditions, contrasting him with Jagdeep Dhankhar, whom he described as having worked as a BJP agent before becoming a victim of the same. It is essential for such high offices to maintain democratic and parliamentary traditions, he emphasized.

Nonetheless, the numbers seem to favor the NDA. The Electoral College, comprising 786 members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, requires 394 votes for a simple majority.

With 293 MPs in Lok Sabha and 129 in Rajya Sabha, along with support from nominated members, the NDA commands about 422 votes—providing a significant advantage.

Conversely, the INDIA bloc has around 300 MPs in total across both Houses. Even with a united front, the race is expected to be closer than in past elections.

Congress MP Imran Masood opted not to make a definitive statement regarding the INDIA bloc's strategy, commenting, "This is the BJP's decision. I have nothing to add at this moment; our party will make a decision accordingly."

Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav mentioned that a collective decision will follow broader discussions.

"It will be resolved after consultations with all leaders; reaching a consensus is always preferred," he told IANS.

Radhakrishnan's nomination represents more than just a reward for loyalty—it illustrates the BJP's renewed efforts to extend its influence in Tamil Nadu and the southern states, where it has traditionally faced challenges.