Last Updated:
Sources indicate that the workshop will also feature a mock voting exercise to familiarise first-time and younger MPs with the Vice-Presidential election process
With the BJP and its allies holding a comfortable majority in both Houses, numbers are not a concern for the ruling side.
The BJP, known for its meticulous election preparedness, has now turned its focus to the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. This time, the party’s mission extends beyond its own ranks, as it seeks to align and prepare its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners for the contest.
As part of this strategy, the BJP has issued instructions to its MPs in both Houses of Parliament, with plans to extend a similar module to alliance partners. A BJP MPs training workshop will be held in Delhi from September 6-9, inaugurated by BJP national president JP Nadda. The sessions will feature guidance from senior Union ministers and experienced parliamentarians, focusing on MPs’ duties and responsibilities. Attendance for the entire duration is mandatory, with MPs advised to reach the Capital by the evening of September 6.
To ensure maximum presence ahead of the September 9 vote, NDA MPs chairing various parliamentary committees have been asked to schedule their meetings for September 8—just a day before polling. Sources indicate that the workshop will also feature a mock voting exercise to familiarise first-time and younger MPs with the Vice-Presidential election process.
Strategically, the NDA will also organise its MPs into smaller groups, assigning leaders from across alliance parties to coordinate within these groups to ensure maximum voter participation on polling day.
Beyond its core allies, the government intends to reach out to fence-sitter parties that have previously adopted a flexible stance, neither aligning fully with the Opposition nor with the ruling side. Parties such as the BRS, YSR Congress Party, and BJD have, in the past, extended support to NDA-backed candidates based on the individual nominee’s profile rather than political alignment. For instance, the YSRCP and BJD backed Droupadi Murmu’s Presidential bid in 2022, citing her identity as a woman from a tribal community.
So far, neither the NDA nor the Opposition has named a candidate. In the coming days, senior government floor managers—including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha JP Nadda, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju—are expected to reach out to opposition leaders in an effort to build consensus. However, given the Opposition’s united stance against the NDA, agreement on a common name appears unlikely unless prior consultation takes place—something the government has rarely done in the past. Opposition parties are also expected to field their own candidate.
In the lead-up to the Vice-Presidential election, the NDA is set to hold a high-powered strategy meeting on August 20 in the national capital. The gathering is expected to see the alliance’s full strength on display, with top leaders, including chief ministers from NDA-ruled states, in attendance. Indications suggest that the NDA will file its candidate’s nomination on August 21, the last day for nominations.
As part of its show of unity, the alliance plans to have multiple senior leaders act as proposers and seconders for its Vice-Presidential candidate. This coordinated effort is aimed at projecting a strong and united ruling bloc.
The vacancy arose following the sudden resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the start of the Monsoon Session, citing health reasons. The Vice-President, who also serves as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, is elected by members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The winner of the September 9 election will serve a full five-year term.
With the BJP and its allies holding a comfortable majority in both Houses, numbers are not a concern for the ruling side. The focus now is on maximising preparedness and ensuring every vote is cast in their favour.
view comments
Read More
