Union Minister Giriraj Singh Slams INDIA Bloc’s VP Candidate Over Lalu Yadav Meeting
In a sharp attack during the ongoing Vice Presidential election in New Delhi, Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized the INDIA bloc’s nominee, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudhakar Reddy. Singh targeted Reddy’s recent meeting with RJD chief Lalu Yadav, who is a convicted criminal in the infamous fodder scam case.
"I’ve heard he was a judge. Who does he go to meet? The one convicted in the fodder scam. And yet, he still talks about morality," Singh told reporters on Tuesday. The remark highlights the heated political drama surrounding the Vice Presidential poll, which is taking place right now at the new Parliament building.
The election pits NDA’s candidate, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, against the opposition’s B. Sudhakar Reddy. Singh sounded confident about his side’s victory, saying, "The NDA’s win is as certain as the Sun rising in the East." This NDA vs INDIA bloc contest is grabbing headlines as both sides gear up for a big political showdown.
Big names from across the spectrum turned out to vote today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote, along with Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Kiren Rijiju. From the opposition, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from Wayanad also participated in the voting process.
Vote counting kicks off in the evening, with results expected soon after. This Vice Presidential election 2024 carries huge importance because the Vice President also chairs the Rajya Sabha, playing a key role in how Parliament runs smoothly.
The electoral college includes 781 members – that’s 542 elected Lok Sabha MPs and 239 Rajya Sabha members (233 elected and 12 nominated, though there are six vacancies in total across both houses). Every vote counts equally in this secret ballot system, and a candidate needs at least 391 votes to clinch the win, as per parliamentary rules.
The post became vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down on July 21 due to health issues, right at the start of the Monsoon Session. Political experts predict a close watch on the race, even though the NDA holds a clear numerical edge in the combined strength of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Still, surprises like cross-voting could spice things up, and everyone is eyeing the evening results for the final twist in this NDA vs opposition battle.
