Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The upcoming vice-presidential election has shaped up into a “South vs South” battle, with the ruling NDA fielding CP Radhakrishnan, the governor of Maharashtra from Tamil Nadu, while the opposition has nominated former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy from Telangana. The contest is seen as a test of alliances, as both candidates bring strong regional identities that could influence political dynamics in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Political Dilemma for Key Parties
The NDA’s choice of Radhakrishnan places the DMK in a difficult position. Supporting him would contradict its opposition stance against the BJP, but rejecting a Tamil Nadu candidate could be framed as a slight against Tamil pride. On the other hand, the opposition’s nomination of Reddy, a respected Telugu figure, is a strategic move to compel parties like the YSRCP, BRS, TDP, and AIMIM to rally behind him. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has appealed for united Telugu support, emphasizing that Telangana has not had such a chance since PV Narasimha Rao’s time. Despite this, TDP leader Nara Lokesh has already extended greetings to Radhakrishnan, signaling possible cross-party complexities.
Numbers and NDA’s Edge
The vice president is elected by an electoral college comprising both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs, including nominated members. The current strength stands at 786 seats, with a winning candidate requiring 394 votes. The NDA appears comfortably placed, controlling 293 Lok Sabha MPs and 129 Rajya Sabha MPs (effective strength: 240), and with support from nominated members, the alliance is projected to secure around 422 votes—well above the majority threshold. However, internal dissent or cross-voting could narrow the margin.
Constitutional Framework and Context
The election follows proportional representation by single transferable vote, conducted by secret ballot as per Article 66(1). The vice president serves as the second-highest constitutional authority in India and ex-officio chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, with a five-year tenure. The current election was triggered by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation due to health reasons. His departure has added urgency to the polls, as the winner will step into office for a full five-year term.
Broader Implications
The election outcome will shape not only parliamentary dynamics but also regional politics in the South. It tests opposition unity and gauges the ability of the INDIA bloc to challenge the NDA’s numerical advantage. It also sets the stage for how Tamil Nadu and Telangana’s political identities will be balanced against national alliances in the run-up to the 2026 state elections and beyond.
