The voting for the Vice Presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday. In this gripping political tussle, the ruling NDA fields CP Radhakrishnan, set against the opposition's India Bloc candidate Sudarshan Reddy. While the numbers favor Radhakrishnan, Reddy pins his hopes on lawmakers voting with their conscience, making this election a truly captivating affair.
Members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha vote in this election. In terms of sheer numbers, NDA's CP Radhakrishnan is ahead of the India Bloc's candidate B. Sudarshan Reddy. It is expected that Radhakrishnan may secure backing from 439 members, whereas Reddy expects support from around 324 members.
The NDA and India Bloc have exerted their full strength for this Vice Presidential quest. The BJP-led NDA challenges the India Bloc's bid, which relies on moral appeals to bolster their numbers. Sudarshan Reddy has even released a video appeal to sway opposition lawmakers.
Understanding the 'Number Game' in the Election
The members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha participate in the Vice Presidential voting, summing up to a total of 781. A successful candidate needs the endorsement of 392 members.
Lok Sabha - 542 (excluding the speaker) NDA: 293 Opposition: 234 Others: 15
Rajya Sabha - Total 245-6 = 239 NDA: 132 Opposition: 77 Others: 30
'Numerical' Battle Vs 'Moral' Struggle!
The NDA fields Maharashtra Governor and Tamil Nadu's CP Radhakrishnan, whereas the opposition unites under India Bloc, pitching B. Sudarshan Reddy from Telangana. This strategic move extends beyond numbers, embracing symbolism and unity among its constituents.
The India Bloc hopes to retain its alliance members while attracting new support, banking on regional pride to win over parties like the YSRCP. Although Sudarshan Reddy met with Jagan Mohan Reddy, the latter, already pledged to support the NDA's candidate, could not extend his support to Sudarshan.
Despite this, the opposition appreciates Justice Sudarshan Reddy's contributions to defending the constitution and democracy, and Jagan requested that his inability to endorse him not be misconstrued.
The Opposition's Bet on 'Conscience's Call'
The opposition holds onto the belief that the Vice Presidential election may not unfold plainly as expected, anticipating conscience-led voting. B. Sudarshan Reddy noted that there's no whip in place, allowing lawmakers to vote freely.
Congress leader Manikam Tagore alluded to the rivalry between TDP and YSRCP in light of Mithun Reddy's interim release, nodding toward the possibility of moral voting in the election. The suspense lies in whether TDP will vote for a BJP candidate or Justice Sudarshan Reddy fighting for constitutional protection.
NDA Optimistic with the 'Number Game'
CP Radhakrishnan feels confident about securing victory through the NDA's 'Number Game', with clear support from 293 members in the Lok Sabha and 132 in the Rajya Sabha. While this totals to 425, it still falls short compared to the 528 votes the NDA's Jagdeep Dhankhar received in 2022.
However, the BJP seeks to expand Radhakrishnan's winning margin by rallying support from other opposition parties. Rajnath Singh engaged in dialogues with parties including Jagan Mohan Reddy's to muster additional backing.
Moreover, a two-day workshop was held for NDA members on the voting and secret ballot procedures, underscoring the need for vigilance to prevent opportunistic gains by the opposition.
From BJD to BRS, Whom Will They Choose?
With existential suspense, parties like BJD, BRS, and a few others have yet to announce their stance. BJD remains a mystery, with seven MPs still undecided, leaving the decision to party leader Naveen Patnaik, who is currently in the national capital.
During earlier legislative processes like the Waqf Amendment Bill, BJD allowed its members to vote according to their conscience. Will the same freedom apply in the Vice Presidential election, or will definite orders emerge?
From Owaisi to Chandrashekhar, Throwing Support Behind Sudarshan
AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi, in a call to safeguard the constitution, supports Sudarshan. Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reached out, and leaders like Chandrashekhar Azad also expressed solidarity on constitutional grounds. This reflects a political gambit, making Sudarshan a symbolic contender.
Joined by Congress, Trinamool Congress, AAP, DMK, SP, RJD, left parties, and others, efforts to campaign actively for Sudarshan Reddy have been robust. This race stands unique, highlighting candidates from southern India.
