Joint Opposition Vice Presidential candidate B Sudershan Reddy expressed optimism about the ongoing Vice Presidential elections on Tuesday, saying he is “more than hopeful” of winning.
Speaking to reporters at Parliament House, Reddy thanked civil society and leaders across the political spectrum for their support. He dismissed the notion of cross-voting, stating, “I am only trying to awaken people’s conscience. I did not say there would be cross-voting. I don’t know what cross-voting is.”
Commenting on NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan’s confidence in securing a majority, Reddy retorted, “What else will he say? Will he say that I will win? Is this a question?” He emphasized that his campaign is a fight for the Constitution, which will continue regardless of the election outcome: “This is a fight for the Constitution. My journey has begun with the Constitution.”
Voting for the 15th Vice President of India began Tuesday morning, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being the first to cast his vote. The counting of votes is scheduled for the evening. The election comes 50 days after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from the post on July 21 due to health reasons.
Both the NDA and opposition parties held mock polls ahead of the election to ensure MPs exercise their franchise correctly. NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan appears to have an edge, expected to secure 427 votes—293 in the Lok Sabha and 134 in the Rajya Sabha—well above the majority mark of 391.
Reddy, backed by 354 MPs (249 in the Lower House and 105 in the Upper House), is contesting against Radhakrishnan in a high-stakes battle. The Parliament currently has 781 members, including 542 in the Lok Sabha (one seat vacant) and 239 in the Rajya Sabha (five seats vacant).
Several parties, including Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), have decided to abstain or boycott the elections due to political and regional grievances.
