September 9, 2025

The big day arrived in Parliament as India’s Vice Presidential election kicked off with full buzz and excitement. Two top contenders faced the ultimate test: NDA’s nominee CP Radhakrishnan and the Opposition’s candidate, former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy. This election is no ordinary contest—it decides the second-highest constitutional office and the Rajya Sabha chairman. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) declared full support for B Sudershan Reddy. AAP MP Sanjay Singh shouted loud, “Party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal and the party have decided to support Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy and vote for him. Our MPs will vote for him...There is no such possibility (of cross-voting) in our party...All our votes will go to Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy.” Singh also warned of sneaky cross-voting, noting, "In the Constitution Club election, BJP members did cross-voting and voted against the Modi-Amit Shah's desired candidate...So, if something like that happens, there can be unexpected results." Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi slammed the BJP, accusing it of trying to "murder the soul of democracy." She fiercely said, "Those who trust the Constitution will vote for B Sudershan Reddy because he has spent his life upholding the Constitution." On the other side, NDA is confident. Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed full faith saying, "We are confident that the NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan will win the elections." BJP's Jitan Ram Manjhi praised the NDA nominee, stating, "We have decided to vote in favour of NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan. The opposition will say whatever they want... they don't have any policy. We are working to make India developed by 2047 as envisioned by PM Modi." B Sudershan Reddy himself was upbeat, telling reporters, "I am more than hopeful that I am going to win this election." He dismissed rumors of cross-voting, saying, "I am only trying to awaken people's conscience. I did not say that there would be cross-voting. I don't know what cross-voting is." Congress leaders and opposition bigwigs, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi, backed Reddy, affirming his strong chance of victory. Kharge said, “Sudershan Reddy ji has all the chances of winning.” Meanwhile, the NDA rounds up its forces with PM Narendra Modi casting the first vote, expressing that Radhakrishnan’s candidature has "generated immense enthusiasm". Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also praised Radhakrishnan, saying, "CP Radhakrishnanji will get more support from the MPs than the votes from the NDA... it is in the national interest that a very good person with nationalist ideology becomes the Vice President." A few key parties like Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) decided to abstain, stirring additional suspense. SAD boycotted the poll protesting lack of government help during recent Punjab floods. The election is conducted via secret ballot from 10 am to 5 pm, with counting to start by 6 pm. Opposition held mock voting to ensure no slips, while NDA remains confident with a commanding majority in the Electoral College. Who will wear the Vice President’s hat? Will it be Radhakrishnan’s political savvy or Reddy’s judicial prestige? The nation waits with bated breath for the results that will not only fill a top spot but also reveal the power play between India’s leading political forces.

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Tags: Vice presidential election, B sudershan reddy, C.p. radhakrishnan, Nda, India bloc, Parliament voting,