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The BJP started out with an attempt to ruffle the opposition DMK with its pick, while the INDIA bloc’s move was seen as targeting the TDP, a major NDA partner
Andhra Pradesh minister and TDP leader Nara Lokesh extended his support to NDA vice-presidential nominee CP Radhakrishnan during a meeting in New Delhi on August 19. (Image: PTI)
No sooner had the BJP-led NDA picked CP Radhakrishnan – a face from Tamil Nadu – as its vice-presidential candidate than the opposition fielded Justice (retd) B Sudershan Reddy, a name from Andhra Pradesh for India’s second highest constitutional post.
Both sides meant to challenge each other with their choice. While the BJP started out with an attempt to ruffle the opposition DMK with Radhakrishnan’s Tamil identity, the INDIA bloc’s move to pick a Telugu face was seen as targeting the TDP, a major NDA partner.
It was also seen as the opposition’s intent to stick to its word – the Congress did say it will put forward a name that may cause cross-voting on the ruling side. But, this may not come to anything after all.
The TDP on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan and said there is “no ambiguity” in the matter. Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh, accompanied by senior TDP leaders and MPs, met the vice-presidential nominee in New Delhi to extend warm wishes on behalf of the party.
“No ambiguity – only warmth, respect, and resolve. The NDA stands united,” said Lokesh, sharing the video of the meeting.
He extended his support to Radhakrishnan, while lauding his extensive administrative experience as governor of multiple states.
An official statement said the TDP leader expressed confidence that Radhakrishnan’s “discipline, perseverance and service-oriented leadership will inspire the younger generations and benefit the nation in the years ahead”. Radhakrishnan, currently the Maharashtra governor, is pitted against former Supreme Court judge, Justice Reddy.
The vice-presidential election is scheduled for September 9. The deadline for filing nominations is August 21.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, attended the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting and expressed happiness over the “enthusiasm” in support of Radhakrishnan’s candidature.
“Participated in the NDA Parliamentary Party Meeting in Delhi this morning. Happy to see the enthusiasm in favour of Thiru CP Radhakrishnan’s candidature for the Vice Presidency,” he wrote on X.
Earlier, Modi felicitated Radhakrishnan during the meeting, following which Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister has appealed to all the MPs, including the opposition, to support the NDA candidate in the VP polls.
Rijiju said Modi gave Radhakrishnan’s introduction to the floor leaders. “NDA candidate for the vice-presidential election, CP Radhakrishnan, was introduced in the meeting. The floor leaders, MPs of the NDA, warmly welcomed CP Radhakrishnan ji, congratulated him and thanked the Prime Minister. His introduction was given by Prime Minister Modi in the meeting of the NDA Parliamentary Party,” Rijiju said.
He added: “Along with the introduction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the entire party, especially the opposition, that all the MPs should come together and unanimously support the candidate decided by the NDA for the vice-presidential election.”
(With agency inputs)
Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st…Read More
Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st… Read More
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