Will Opposition MPs Participate in Mock Poll Before the Vice Presidential Election?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mock poll conducted to prepare MPs for voting.
- Regional candidates representing southern India.
- Election viewed as a symbolic ideological battle.
- Justice Reddy is known for significant landmark rulings.
- Radhakrishnan serves as the Governor of Maharashtra.
New Delhi, Sep 8 (NationPress) In preparation for the significant Vice Presidential election set for September 9, Opposition Members of Parliament will engage in a mock polling session on Monday at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, starting around 2:30 P.M. This exercise aims to help MPs become acquainted with the voting process, ensuring that it is conducted smoothly and without errors.
This year's Vice Presidential election features a direct contest between NDA candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan and the joint candidate from the Opposition, Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy.
Both candidates come from southern India, with Radhakrishnan representing Tamil Nadu and Justice Reddy from Telangana, bringing a regional aspect to the election.
While the ruling NDA is anticipated to have the upper hand due to its majority in Parliament, the Opposition views this election as a symbolic ideological confrontation.
Justice Reddy, aged 79, is a retired Supreme Court judge recognized for his influential decisions, including significant criticisms of the Union government regarding its inaction on black money and the ruling that declared Salwa Judum unconstitutional.
Conversely, Radhakrishnan is a seasoned BJP leader with roots in the RSS and currently holds the position of Governor of Maharashtra.
As per Rajya Sabha Secretary General P.C. Mody, the Returning Officer for the election, voting will occur in Room No. F-101, Vasudha, Parliament House, on Tuesday, September 9. The polling process is set to commence at 10 A.M. and conclude at 5 P.M.
The electoral assembly for the Vice Presidential election consists of 233 elected Rajya Sabha members (with five vacancies), 12 nominated members, and 543 elected Lok Sabha members (with one seat vacant). The Vice President of India is chosen through a secret ballot utilizing the single transferable vote system.
Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called off the dinner he intended to host for Opposition MPs on Monday, a day before the Vice Presidential elections. Kharge stated, “Considering the devastation and suffering caused by floods in Punjab and various regions of the country, and out of empathy for those affected, it has been decided to cancel the dinner scheduled in honor of our united candidate, Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy.”