New Delhi – Tensions Mount Surrounding Vice Presidential Election with Trinamool Congress at the Forefront
In the backdrop of the upcoming Vice Presidential election, opposition parties are scrambling to finalize a candidate due to rising tensions caused by the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The party, led by Mamata Banerjee, is advocating for a non-political figure for this prestigious role and has cautioned that a Tamil vs Tamil contest would be detrimental to the united front of the INDIA alliance. This stance puts the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in a precarious position, especially with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) having already announced the nomination of CP Radhakrishnan, a seasoned BJP leader from Tamil Nadu.
The deadline for filing nominations is fast approaching, with only two days remaining until Thursday. A critical meeting is scheduled in Delhi later today, where coalition partners within the INDIA alliance will convene to discuss a consensus candidate. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to reach out to both TMC’s Mamata Banerjee and DMK’s MK Stalin to address this pressing issue.
Initial discussions have yielded two names that are currently circulating within political circles: Tushar Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and a noted author, and Mylswamy Annadurai, a former scientist from ISRO. However, the various parties within the alliance have yet to arrive at a definitive consensus on who should represent them.
Complex Dynamics of Tamil Politics in the Vice Presidential Race
The selection of CP Radhakrishnan by the BJP is strategic, particularly with the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on the horizon next year. The BJP is leveraging the emotive issue of Tamil pride to appeal to voters and is pressuring the DMK to support their candidate. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Nainar Nagenthran recently appealed to DMK leader MK Stalin, stating, “Politics should not come in the way of honouring such recognition for our state.”
In contrast, the DMK has been vocal in asserting that the selection of Radhakrishnan should be viewed through a political lens rather than one strictly based on language. DMK leader TKS Elangovan articulated this sentiment, remarks he made to ANI, where he said, “He is an RSS man, a BJP candidate. Should be viewed politically, not just by language. This is a post for VP. We (Tamilians) already have had two presidents, R Venkatraman and Abdul Kalam, who were presidents of India, so we have seen presidents.”
Interestingly, the choice of CP Radhakrishnan seems to have improved relations between the BJP and the AIADMK, potentially serving as a catalyst for collaboration ahead of the state polls. This comes two years after the AIADMK’s split with the BJP, hinting at significant shifts within Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
Trinamool Congress’s Strategic Stance in the Election
In the previous Vice Presidential election held in 2022, the TMC abstained from voting, which proved disadvantageous as their candidate, Congress veteran Margaret Alva, lost by a significant margin. This time around, however, the TMC has made it clear that it intends to be an active participant in the selection process and will not abstain. Senior TMC leader Derek O’Brien has been authorized to represent the party’s viewpoints in the ongoing discussions.
During closed-door meetings, the TMC has laid out its conditions for backing a candidate. Amidst the ongoing discussions about potential candidates, including DMK veteran Tiruchi Siva, the Trinamool has expressed its preference for a non-political figure. O’Brien has also cautioned against a situation that pits Tamil candidates against each other, arguing for an ideological rather than regional contest.
This position presents a significant challenge for the DMK. If the opposition secures a non-Tamil candidate, the BJP will likely amplify its narrative against the MK Stalin-led party, portraying it as betraying Tamil interests. The introduction of Tushar Gandhi’s name by the Sharad Pawar-led NCP reflects the search for a unifying candidate, although no decision has been reached.
The Electoral Landscape and Chances of Opposition Victory
As discussions unfold to identify a mutually acceptable candidate, a crucial question remains: can the opposition mount a successful challenge in the Vice Presidential election? The Vice President is ultimately elected by an electoral college composed of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, which currently stands at 782 members, meaning a minimum of 392 votes is required to win.
The NDA commands a solid majority with 293 seats in the Lok Sabha and 133 in the Rajya Sabha, positioning CP Radhakrishnan as the likely victor unless extraordinary circumstances lead to defections from within the NDA coalition. Currently, such a scenario appears improbable.
Nonetheless, the opposition’s endeavor to force a contest is largely a strategic move aimed at preventing a walkover for the BJP. Even a lopsided contest can allow the opposition to demonstrate its unity at a crucial time when it aims to hold the government accountable for alleged irregularities in elections.
In support of their candidate, the NDA is actively campaigning for Radhakrishnan. During a Parliamentary Party meeting this morning, Prime Minister Modi encouraged all members, including those from the opposition, to back Radhakrishnan, emphasizing a legacy of integrity and dedication to societal service. “There is no controversy in his life, no corruption, no stain; he has lived a very simple life and has only worked for society and the country. If such a person becomes the Vice President of the country, it will be a matter of great happiness for the country,” remarked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
As political currents intensify and meet shifting alliances in Tamil Nadu and beyond, the Vice Presidential election serves as a litmus test for the broader implications of political strategy and regional identity in the Indian political landscape.
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