BJD, BRS, and SAD boycott vice presidential polls citing political neutrality, farmer issues, and flood crisis.
Voting is currently underway for the Vice Presidential Election 2025, where lawmakers must choose between two key contenders: NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan, currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, and INDIA bloc’s nominee Justice B Sudershan Reddy, a retired Supreme Court judge.
While most political parties have declared support for one of the candidates, three significant parties have announced their decision to abstain from voting. Their reasons range from political neutrality to pressing local issues.
Why Is the Vice Presidential Election Being Held?
This election was necessitated following the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar from the Vice President’s post. The Vice President is also the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, making this a crucial constitutional position.
Parties That Have Boycotted the Vice Presidential Election
1. Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
- Leader: Naveen Patnaik, Former Chief Minister of Odisha
- Reason for Boycott:
The BJD stated it is maintaining its longstanding policy of “equidistance” from both the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led INDIA alliance. - Parliamentary Strength:
- Rajya Sabha: 7 MPs
- Lok Sabha: 0 MPs
“BJD has always followed a policy of maintaining an equal distance from national political alliances,” said a party spokesperson.
2. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)
- Leader: K Chandrashekar Rao, Former Chief Minister of Telangana
- Reason for Boycott:
Protest against inaction over urea shortages, which has impacted over 71 lakh farmers in Telangana. - Statement by KT Rama Rao: “If NOTA was an option, we would have chosen it. This is a protest in solidarity with our farmers.”
- Parliamentary Strength:
- Rajya Sabha: 4 MPs
- Lok Sabha: 0 MPs
3. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)
- Leader: Sukhbir Singh Badal
- Reason for Boycott:
Lack of support during unprecedented floods in Punjab from both the Centre and AAP-led state government. - Party Statement on X: “One-third of Punjab is submerged. Yet, neither the state nor the Centre has extended any help. We stand by our people.”
- Parliamentary Strength:
- Lok Sabha: 1 MP (Harsimrat Kaur Badal)
- Rajya Sabha: 0 MPs
Vice Presidential Election 2025: Numbers That Matter
- Total Strength of Electoral College: 788 MPs
- Rajya Sabha: 245
- Lok Sabha: 543
- Nominated Rajya Sabha Members: 12 (eligible to vote)
- Current Effective Strength: 781 (due to 7 vacancies)
- Majority Mark: 391 votes
NDA’s Strength:
- Lok Sabha: 293 MPs
- Rajya Sabha: 129 MPs
INDIA Bloc’s Strength:
- Backing of approximately 325 MPs
What This Means for the Election Outcome
Although the NDA holds a strong position, the INDIA bloc has gathered considerable support. However, with three parties abstaining, the dynamics could slightly shift, making each vote crucial.
Stay tuned for live updates on the results and reactions from key political leaders.
