NDA eyes Vice President win as INDIA bloc tests unity.

New Delhi: In a high-stakes political contest that serves as a crucial test of parliamentary unity, India is electing its new Vice President today. The election, necessitated by the sudden resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, pits the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan, against the INDIA bloc’s nominee, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy.

While the numbers appear to be firmly in favor of the NDA, with a clear majority in the electoral college, the election is more than a simple numbers game. For the opposition INDIA bloc, it represents a significant opportunity to showcase its cohesion and a collective resolve to counter the ruling alliance. The contest is being framed by the opposition as an ideological battle for constitutional values and principles, with an appeal to MPs to vote according to their conscience rather than party lines.

The Candidates and Their Credentials

The NDA’s choice, C.P. Radhakrishnan, is a veteran BJP leader with a long and distinguished career in public service. A two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore, he has also served as the Governor of Jharkhand and, most recently, as the Governor of Maharashtra. His extensive political and administrative experience is being highlighted by the NDA as a key qualification for the role, which also entails serving as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The ruling alliance is projecting him as a leader with an unblemished record, well-suited to steer the proceedings of the Upper House.

The INDIA bloc has fielded B. Sudershan Reddy, a retired Supreme Court judge renowned for his landmark judgments and commitment to judicial independence. His legal career, spanning over five decades, includes a notable ruling that declared a state-sponsored vigilante group, Salwa Judum, unconstitutional. The opposition is portraying him as a champion of social, economic, and political justice, a candidate who would uphold the sanctity of the Constitution and the dignity of the Rajya Sabha.

The Numbers Game and Political Significance

The electoral college for the Vice Presidential election comprises members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. With a total strength of 781 MPs (as of today, accounting for a few vacancies), the majority mark stands at 391. The NDA, with approximately 427 MPs, holds a comfortable lead and is poised for a decisive victory.

However, the opposition’s campaign is not focused on winning alone. It’s a strategic move to rally its disparate members and demonstrate a united front ahead of future political battles. The election also highlights the role of unaligned parties. While the YSR Congress Party has pledged its support to the NDA, parties like the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) have announced their decision to abstain from voting. These abstentions, while not changing the final outcome, carry symbolic weight and underscore the complex political landscape beyond the two major blocs.

A Test of Unity for the INDIA Bloc

The Vice Presidential election is the first major test of the newly formed INDIA bloc’s ability to act in unison. The nomination of a common candidate, followed by a coordinated campaign, is a significant step towards solidifying their alliance. While the numerical disadvantage is a given, the opposition hopes that a strong show of unity will send a powerful message to the electorate and lay the groundwork for a more robust challenge to the NDA in the future.

Voting is taking place in Parliament House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the results expected late this evening. The outcome will not only determine the next Vice President of India but also provide valuable insights into the current dynamics of political power and the evolving nature of alliances in the country.