The BJP-led NDA enters the contest with a numerical advantage, making Radhakrishnan the frontrunner. Political observers note that abstentions announced by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) are unlikely to affect the outcome significantly. The NDA, bolstered by allies like the YSR Congress Party, has expressed confidence in a comfortable victory.
BJP leaders, including MP Manan Kumar Mishra, described the voting as a “formality,” asserting that Radhakrishnan enjoys complete support from coalition MPs. NDA’s election agents include Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, TDP MP Ram Mohan Naidu, and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde.
Opposition Sees Tight Contest
On the other hand, the Opposition INDIA bloc, led by Congress and supported by Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (UBT), and other partners, has rallied behind Sudershan Reddy. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said the former judge “has all chances of winning,” while CPI MP P. Sandosh Kumar predicted a narrow margin compared to previous polls.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav took a swipe at the ruling party, calling the BJP a “use-and-throw” organization. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi argued that many NDA MPs may cross-vote, citing Reddy’s reputation for constitutional integrity. Opposition polling agents include MPs Syed Naseer Hussain, Manickam Tagore, and Shatabdi Roy.
Resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar
The election follows the resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who left office after raising concerns about the government’s handling of farmers’ issues. While the Opposition questioned whether he was pressured into silence, Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed the claims, saying Dhankhar stepped down purely for health reasons.
Campaigning and Symbolism
Hours before voting, C.P. Radhakrishnan offered prayers at a Ram temple in Delhi, signaling his connection to BJP’s ideological base. Meanwhile, Sudershan Reddy met with smaller parties and independent MPs, seeking broader support. He emphasized that “no constitutional authority should have unaccountable power,” highlighting his commitment to checks and balances.
Voting Process
Members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are eligible to vote. The election is conducted by secret ballot, and MPs are not bound by party whips. Polling began at 10 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m., with counting scheduled for 6 p.m. The results are expected later in the evening.
Regardless of the outcome, the election underscores a larger ideological battle between the ruling NDA’s emphasis on governance stability and the Opposition’s focus on constitutional accountability and social justice. The final verdict will determine not just the Vice-President but also the tone of parliamentary politics in the coming years.