A visibly troubled Opposition INDIA bloc faces questions about internal discipline after the Vice-Presidential election on 9 September 2025. The BJP has alleged that at least 15 MPs from the INDIA alliance or its broader support base voted for the NDA nominee, C P Radhakrishnan—a claim stemming from the discrepancy between the votes the opposition expected and the 300 actually secured by their joint nominee, Justice B Sudershan Reddy.
The final tally showed Radhakrishnan, the NDA candidate, winning with 452 of 752 valid votes, while Reddy received 300. There were 767 votes cast in total, 15 of which were invalid, setting the threshold for victory at 377 votes. The gap between the INDIA bloc’s expected strength—projected at over 315 MPs—and the actual vote count has prompted fresh attention on cross-voting allegations.
The BJP interpreted the outcome as a reflection of internal cracks within the INDIA alliance, with some opposition MPs reportedly acting independently—or following their conscience—as they voted for Radhakrishnan. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju framed the situation as evidence of him having “listened to their conscience”, while BJP chief whip Sanjay Jaiswal asserted that as many as 40 opposition MPs might have supported the NDA candidate. Although independent support from non-INDIA MPs, such as those from YSRCP, contributed to Radhakrishnan’s total, even beyond those expected leanings the final count exceeded expectations, intensifying the impression of defection.
The allegations of cross-voting undermining the INDIA bloc’s unity cast a spotlight on its coordination ahead of a series of state elections. Opposition leaders, in turn, insisted that all 315 bloc MPs had participated and voted together—pointing to invalid ballots or abstentions as potential factors rather than defections.
The new Vice-President, Radhakrishnan, brings a blend of deep-rooted ideological experience and conciliatory demeanour. A former governor, parliamentarian, and veteran RSS affiliate, his win not only confirms the NDA’s dominance but also flags brewing concerns about cohesion within the INDIA bloc as a political front.
There is no direct evidence yet of formal investigations into these cross-voting allegations, though opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have called for greater scrutiny. The stakes are elevated by the long-serving alliance’s intention to present a united front, and this electoral outcome raises strategic questions that may affect upcoming campaigns and alliances across India’s political landscape.
Abstentions to back BJP, claims AAP 