Vice Presidential Polls: Radhakrishnan, Reddy in Direct Contest; Key Parties Abstain
Digital Desk
While both alliances have drawn up clear lines, some regional parties have opted out. Shiromani Akali Dal stayed away citing flood relief efforts in Punjab, while Naveen Patnaik’s BJD and K. Chandrashekar Rao’s BRS declared neutrality. Together, these abstentions account for 11 MPs.
Radhakrishnan, 68, is a veteran politician, while Reddy, 79, is a jurist-turned-leader backed by the opposition bloc. A total of 781 MPs are eligible to vote, with polling scheduled until 5 pm. Counting will start at 6 pm, and results are expected the same evening.
Support has been split among smaller parties. AIMIM extended backing to the INDIA bloc, while YSR Congress has pledged its 11 MPs to the NDA candidate.
The outcome now hinges on alliance arithmetic and turnout, with the winner set to assume office as Vice President and Chair of the Rajya Sabha.
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