Row over cross-voting in VP election intensifies, BJP takes 'conscience' swipe, opposition claims 'votes were bought'

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee CP Radhakrishnan was elected as Vice President of India, defeating INDIA bloc candidate Justice B Sudershan Reddy in the election held on Tuesday.

The allegations of cross voting at the Vice Presidential elections by Opposition MPs has now blown up into a full-fledged political row. Allegations have surfaced after National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate CP Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President, defeating Opposition candidate Justice (retd) B Sudershan Reddy on Tuesday.

According to reports, opposition leaders have concluded that at least ten votes were lost due to cross-voting or invalid voting. Radhakrishnan defeated Reddy by 152 votes in the Vice Presidential election. The NDA nominee received 452 first preference votes, whereas Justice Reddy received 300 first preference votes. Fifteen votes were considered invalid. Meanwhile, the BJP has sharpened its digs at the Opposition, suggesting an internal rift ahead of a string of state elections.

A Hindustan Times report said that, based on internal discussions between the INDIC bloc parties, the Aam Admi Party, Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, NCP (Sharad Pawar), and JMM have lost votes. However, these conclusions are based on informal discussions, as it is impossible to detect how one MP has voted through secret ballots.

DMK, Trinamool, RJD, Left parties, National Conference and smaller Opposition allies reportedly have accounted for 100% of their votes. “There is one doubtful vote in the Congress. Three votes each from Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena have gone wasted. 4 MPs of AAP have either cross-voted or given invalid votes,” the report read citing a senior opposition leader.

Congress Member of Parliament Manish Tewari on Wednesday responded to the alleged probability of cross-voting and said it deserves a systematic investigation by each constituent of the opposition alliance.

"If there was cross-voting, then it should be seriously investigated by each of the constituents of the INDIA Alliance. Cross-voting is an extremely serious matter. If at all, what you are saying is correct or what is appearing in the public space or is being speculated has an iota of truth in it, it deserves a systematic and clinical investigation," Tewari told ANI.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju on September 10 rubbed it in by saying "thanks" to the Opposition. "Special thanks to some MPs of INDI Alliance who voted with 'Conscience' for NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan in the VP election. NDA and All our friendly MPs remain united. Congratulations to everyone on electing a humble & efficient man and a true patriot as India's new Vice President," Mr Rijiju posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Party whips are not applicable to Vice Presidential elections -- which has a secret ballot -- and MPs are expected to vote according to their conscience. But in practice, most MPs follow the party line -- which is why the prospect of cross-voting ahead of elections in Bihar and Tamil Nadu is a matter of deep concern for the INDIA bloc.

Additionally, Opposition leaders have given suggestions to Radhakrishnan who will take over as the Rajya Sabha chairman in the winter session. Trinamool Congress’ Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek O’Brien said in his blog that their notices must be accepted, mass suspensions must stop and Opposition protests should not be censored.