BJP banks on CP Radhakrishnan, while Trinamool blocks consensus in the Opposition camp, leaving INDIA bloc divided.
Opposition in a Tight Spot
The Vice Presidential election is witnessing high political drama, with the Opposition yet to finalise its candidate even as the nomination deadline ends on Thursday. The NDA has already declared veteran BJP leader and current Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate, banking on the Tamil Nadu card ahead of next year’s state assembly polls.
The INDIA bloc, however, is struggling to find consensus. While the DMK wants to avoid political embarrassment in Tamil Nadu, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has raised objections, pitching for a non-political figure to prevent a Tamil vs Tamil battle.
Key Opposition Names in Discussion
- Tushar Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson and author
- Mylswamy Annadurai, former ISRO scientist
- Tiruchi Siva, senior DMK leader (being resisted by TMC)
A meeting in Delhi is expected today, with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge likely to reach out to Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin.
Tamil Nadu Math in the Election
- NDA pick CP Radhakrishnan strengthens BJP’s Tamil Nadu narrative.
- Tamil pride is a sensitive issue, and BJP is pressuring DMK to support Radhakrishnan.
- DMK, however, calls it a political decision, not linguistic pride, stressing Radhakrishnan’s RSS and BJP background.
- BJP hopes this move will also smoothen ties with AIADMK ahead of state elections.
Trinamool’s Stand
- In 2022, TMC abstained from voting, upsetting the Opposition camp.
- This time, Mamata Banerjee’s party is involved but insists on a neutral, non-political candidate.
- TMC MP Derek O’Brien reportedly cautioned against a Tamil vs Tamil contest that could corner DMK.
- NCP has suggested Tushar Gandhi as a possible compromise name.
Numbers Game: Does Opposition Stand a Chance?
- Electoral college strength: 782 MPs
- Winning majority needed: 392 votes
- NDA strength: 293 (Lok Sabha) + 133 (Rajya Sabha) = 426 votes
With clear numerical advantage, NDA is comfortably placed to ensure Radhakrishnan’s victory. Opposition’s candidate, even if finalised, is unlikely to change the outcome.
Why Opposition Still Wants a Contest
Despite the odds, the INDIA bloc is keen to force a fight. The aim is to:
- Avoid BJP’s walkover victory
- Project Opposition unity at a time when questions are raised over alleged poll irregularities
- Send a political message to its supporters
BJP’s Pitch for Radhakrishnan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leaders have rallied behind CP Radhakrishnan.
“There is no controversy in his life, no corruption, no stain; he has lived a very simple life and only worked for society and the country. If such a person becomes Vice President, it will be a matter of happiness for the nation,” said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
The Vice Presidential election is shaping into more than just a contest for the second-highest constitutional post—it has become a test of political equations, regional pride, and Opposition unity. With the Tamil Nadu factor dominating the narrative and the Trinamool roadblock slowing consensus, the coming days will decide whether the INDIA bloc can stand united or whether the BJP’s CP Radhakrishnan sails through unchallenged.
One thing is certain: this battle is as much about symbolism and optics as it is about numbers.
Also Read : Tiruchi Siva Likely to Be Opposition’s Vice-Presidential Candidate: Sources
