Did CM Nitish Kumar Endorse NDA’s VP Nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nitish Kumar's support for C.P. Radhakrishnan strengthens NDA's position.
- JD(U) will back Radhakrishnan in the upcoming elections.
- The Vice Presidential election is crucial for political alliances.
- Understanding the electoral college dynamics is essential.
- Current NDA majority indicates a likely win for the nominee.
Patna, Aug 18 (NationPress) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his support on Monday for the BJP’s choice of Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as the NDA’s candidate for the Vice Presidential position in India.
In a recent social media update, CM Nitish Kumar stated, “The decision to nominate C.P. Radhakrishnan as the NDA candidate for the Vice Presidency is commendable. JD(U) will lend its support to C.P. Radhakrishnan. Wishing him all the best.”
This endorsement holds significant political implications, given that JD(U) has 12 MPs in the Lok Sabha and four in the Rajya Sabha, all of whom will likely support the NDA nominee in the upcoming elections.
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also congratulated Radhakrishnan, following the announcement from BJP national president and Union Minister J.P. Nadda.
“Warm congratulations and best wishes to C.P. Radhakrishnan for being named the NDA candidate for Vice President. Your wealth of experience, dedication, and leadership will serve as a guiding light for the national interest,” Choudhary remarked.
The NDA’s selection of Radhakrishnan appears to be a strategic move to garner broader support, with allies like JD(U) reaffirming their allegiance.
The election for the Vice President of India is conducted through an electoral college of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members.
Currently, the NDA holds a numerical advantage.
The collective strength of the two Houses is 786 members, though this figure is slightly reduced due to the resignation of six members, including a Lok Sabha MP from Barasat, West Bengal.
A candidate needs a minimum of 394 votes to win. With 293 MPs in the Lok Sabha (out of 542) and 129 in the Rajya Sabha (out of 240), the NDA has a substantial majority, making C.P. Radhakrishnan's victory highly likely.
This election was prompted by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21 due to health issues.