MPs who voted for NDA’s VP candidate have voted in national interest: BJP’s Ghulam Ali Khatana
Vice Presidential Election Heats Up: NDA and Opposition Clash Over Votes
In the midst of the ongoing Vice Presidential election in New Delhi, BJP MP Ghulam Ali Khatana voiced strong support for the NDA’s candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan. On Tuesday, he told reporters that MPs who backed Radhakrishnan truly acted in the nation’s best interest. "Our MPs voted for Radhakrishnan because they put the country first," Khatana said. He highlighted Radhakrishnan’s rich experience and calm demeanor, adding that the leader would boost productive discussions in Parliament, including Zero Hour and Debate Hour. "We believe leaders focused on national progress will thrive under his guidance," he explained.
Khatana also extended an olive branch to the opposition. He hoped that INDIA Bloc leaders who prioritize the country’s welfare would support the NDA candidate. This comes as voting wraps up in the election for India’s 15th Vice President, just two months after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s surprise resignation.
On the other side, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey remains upbeat about the opposition’s prospects. "The numbers look good for the INDIA Bloc," he claimed, showing confidence in their nominee, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy. As Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members cast their votes, the race between Radhakrishnan and Reddy has sparked lively political debates. The NDA insists on a smooth win, while the opposition rallies for cross-party backing to challenge the odds.
JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar didn’t hold back in criticizing the opposition’s tactics. "The NDA pushed for a unanimous election, but the INDIA Bloc refused," he said. He mocked Reddy’s recent meeting with Lalu Yadav, who can’t even vote in this process. "Why seek blessings from someone outside the voting circle? This shows their flawed approach. The NDA will win hands down today," Kumar asserted.
Though the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance holds a clear numerical edge, the INDIA Bloc—backed by various opposition parties—fights hard to make it competitive. This Vice Presidential election highlights the ongoing NDA vs INDIA Bloc rivalry in Indian politics.
Who Are the Key Candidates?
C.P. Radhakrishnan (NDA Nominee): A seasoned BJP leader, Radhakrishnan served as a two-time MP from Coimbatore under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He later became Governor of Jharkhand and took charge as Maharashtra Governor in July 2024. His supporters praise his steady leadership for the country’s second-highest office.
B. Sudershan Reddy (INDIA Bloc Nominee): This respected former Supreme Court judge made headlines with landmark rulings, including declaring the Chhattisgarh government’s anti-Naxal militia, Salwa Judum, unconstitutional. Reddy served on the bench from 2007 to 2011 and briefly as Goa’s first Lokayukta before resigning for personal reasons. Opposition leaders see him as a strong voice for justice.
As results pour in, all eyes stay on how this battle shapes up in the high-stakes world of Indian electoral politics. Stay tuned for updates on the Vice President election outcome.
