Ruling alliance gears up for parliamentary huddles and strategy workshops as NDA prepares to field its candidate.
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is gearing up for a major display of political strength ahead of the Vice-Presidential election on September 9. This election marks the first significant test of the ruling alliance in its third term, following the resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Sources say the BJP plans to hold top leader meetings, parliamentary huddles, and strategy workshops to ensure a smooth election process and consolidate support.
Key Meetings and Huddles
- Parliamentary Party Meeting: All NDA MPs have been called for a session on Tuesday as Parliament resumes the second phase of the Monsoon session. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the gathering.
- Nomination Day Mega Huddle: A separate meeting of all Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Deputy Chief Ministers is planned to signal NDA unity. BJP allies will also participate as proposers and supporters.
- Parliamentary Board Meeting: Scheduled for Sunday evening at BJP headquarters, chaired by PM Modi, with senior leaders including JP Nadda, Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh. This is expected to finalize the NDA candidate.
Candidate Selection Strategy
- PM Modi and JP Nadda were authorized on August 7 to pick the NDA’s nominee.
- Sources indicate the next Vice President will likely be a BJP-affiliated leader closely associated with the party and RSS ideology, unlike Dhankhar, who was selected partly to appeal to Jat voters.
- The candidate selection will also aim to convey a regional and social message.
Vote Consolidation and Strategy
- A three-day workshop in Parliament House is being organized to train MPs on the voting process.
- The government will attempt opposition outreach to build consensus, though the opposition plans to field its own candidate.
- This election is seen as a test of the ruling alliance’s strength, while the opposition seeks to challenge the government on key issues.
Political Context and Challenges
- The NDA’s majority now depends heavily on key allies like Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal United (JDU).
- The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which previously supported NDA candidates, is unlikely to extend support after losing power in Odisha.
- Opposition unity over issues like the voter list adds complexity to BJP’s strategy.
The BJP is moving cautiously, organizing meetings, workshops, and strategic outreach to ensure its candidate secures victory in the Vice-Presidential election. The upcoming polls will serve as the first major indicator of the ruling alliance’s cohesion in its third term.
Also Read : BJP Weighs Vice-President Nominees: Thawarchand Gehlot, Arif Mohammad Khan, VK Saxena in Contention
