The Congress has sharply criticised YSRCP president Jagan Mohan Reddy for choosing to align with NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan in the vice-presidential poll, accusing him of abandoning democratic forces in pursuit of personal safety over the state’s interests. Party leader Manickam Tagore declared that the people of Andhra Pradesh would not forgive what he called his “betrayal”, pointing to fears of CBI cases driving the decision rather than C P Radhakrishnan’s credentials.
Tagore’s post on X asserted that history would remember Mr Reddy not for strategy, but for surrender—to “Modi-Babu’s pressure”, pushing Reddy to support an RSS-backed candidate instead of defending democratic values. He accused Reddy of placing his personal survival above the people’s mandate and branded the move a betrayal of faith.
Polling is being held today, 9 September 2025, for the vice-presidency, with voting set from 10 am to 5 pm in Parliament. The NDA’s nominee, C P Radhakrishnan, enjoys a substantial numerical edge thanks to alliance support, further bolstered by the endorsement from YSRCP’s MPs. In contrast, the INDIA bloc has nominated retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy. The Congress criticised Jagan’s alignment with Radhakrishnan as aligning with the ruling coalition rather than resisting its influence.
C P Radhakrishnan, the Maharashtra Governor and seasoned BJP leader, has openly thanked Prime Minister Modi for backing his candidacy and pledged to serve “till his last breath.” His nomination, endorsed by all NDA partners, along with YSRCP’s support, has solidified the NDA’s advantage in the electoral college. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc seeks to frame its campaign as an ideological stand, with B Sudershan Reddy representing constitutional values and inviting MPs to listen to their conscience.
