Kiren Rijiju hints at cross-voting in vice president poll, thanks INDIA bloc MPs who ‘voted with conscience’

NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan was named Vice President-elect with a total of 452 votes out of the 767 votes polled in the VP elections.

Published on: Sep 10, 2025, 17:03:06 IST

By HT News Desk

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A day after CP Radhakrishnan was elected vice president of India, Union Parliamentary Affairs minister Kiren Rijiju thanked the INDIA bloc MPS for their votes for the National Democractic Alliance (NDA) candidate, hinting at cross-voting.

New Delhi: Maharashtra Governor and NDA's Vice-Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan being welcomed by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju upon his arrival at Delhi airport, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (PTI Photo) (PTI08_18_2025_000200B) (PTI)

The vice-presidential election were held on Tuesday, September 9. NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan won with a total of 452 votes out of the 767 votes polled in the secret ballot.

Taking to X on Wednesday, the union minister thanked the INDIA bloc MPS who allegedly cross voted, securing the NDA candidate's win.

Also Read | NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan is India’s new vice president

“Special thanks to some MPs of- INDI Alliance who voted with 'Conscience' for NDA candidate in the VP election. NDA and All our friendly MPs remain united,” said Rijiju.

“The election of the Vice President was conducted through ballots. The voting was secret and done with conscience. Both voting and counting were carried out in the presence of representatives from both parties. Representatives from both parties were present throughout. No one can steal the heart and mind of the MPs,” the union minister stated in another post on X.

Cross voting allegations, invalid votes under scanner

Ahead of the VP elections on Tuesday, the numbers for the NDA candidate stood at 427, which is the BJP-led alliance’s strength in the parliament.

However, as the votes were cast and later revealed, Radhakrishnan secured a total of 452 votes, marking an increase of 14 votes. The INDIA bloc candidate, B Sudershan Reddy, secured a total of 300 votes. Before the counting, the opposition candidate was slated to receive around 324 votes.

Also Read | Vice President election: How numbers stacked up for Radhakrishnan vs Reddy

After the counting was done, 15 votes were invalid. With an increase in votes for Radhakrishnan, the cross voting theory surfaced as NDA leaders alleged opposition leaders may have voted for their candidate.

“We are confident that 100% Congress votes, 41/41 Trinamool votes and all 34 DMK votes have gone in favour of Reddy,” an Opposition floor leader told HT.

Following this claim, doubt was cast on Aam Aadmi party and the Shiv Sena UBT faction for cross voting, however, both INDIA allies have denied the claim.

The Vice President elections were conducted on Tuesday. The top post was left vacant after the abrupt resignation of Jagdeep Dhankar on July 21, citing health reasons.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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