The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is actively preparing for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election on September 9, focusing on securing maximum participation from its 425 Members of Parliament to guarantee a clear win. The leadership has appointed Union Ministers and MPs to supervise arrangements across states, ensuring that all legislators reach Delhi to cast their votes. To strengthen unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host a dinner for all NDA MPs on the eve of the election.
NDA’s chosen nominee, CP Radhakrishnan, former Governor of Maharashtra, will contest against Sudershan Reddy, former Supreme Court judge and the INDIA bloc’s candidate. To prevent errors during the polling process, the alliance has planned a three-day series of workshops for its MPs. These sessions will guide members on correctly marking their ballots, using the specific pen provided by the Election Officer, and folding the ballot papers properly to avoid invalidation. This meticulous preparation reflects the NDA’s concern about cross-voting and nullified ballots since secret ballot elections do not permit a party whip.
In terms of numbers, the NDA already holds a strong position, commanding 425 MPs—well above the 392 votes required for victory if full attendance is achieved. Support from the YSR Congress Party has further boosted its tally, adding 11 MPs to the alliance’s strength. At the same time, negotiations are underway with Odisha’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Telangana’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to secure additional votes. While the BJD has yet to reveal its stance, the BRS is being approached by both camps, with the INDIA bloc appealing for its backing in the name of regional representation.
Although the NDA controls nearly 55 per cent of the electoral college, the alliance aims to push its share beyond 60 per cent. However, replicating the record of the 2022 Vice-Presidential election remains a challenge. During that contest, Jagdeep Dhankhar, the NDA candidate, secured an unprecedented 74.4 per cent of the votes—the highest margin ever recorded. This year, 782 members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated representatives, are eligible to vote, and turnout will play a decisive role in shaping the outcome.
