|
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that the ongoing Vice Presidential elections is not just about party loyalty, but rather electing a person who "upholds national interest".
"Why talk about this (cross-voting)? This is such a big election. The question is not just about a party, the post should be occupied by an individual who upholds national interest," Sule, who is set to vote in the VP election, told ANI here. Talking about preparations for garnering support, she added, "Ever since elections were announced, everyone has been working in their capacity." The contest is between NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan and opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav expressed confidence in joint Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy, highlighting that his 'topi' (cap) has revealed his vote. "We should not reveal the secrecy of the vote, but my 'topi' tells you who I voted for. Our candidate is B Sudershan Reddy, he is being voted for in large numbers," Yadav said while touching the red 'topi' on his head. Earlier today, multiple MPs, both from the Opposition and the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) cast their vote in the election which commenced today at 10 AM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first person to cast his vote. Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, JP Nadda, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Pralhad Joshi cast their votes. Nitin Gadkari was seen shaking hands with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as they both arrived at the Parliament. Former Prime Minister and JD(S) MP in Rajya Sabha, HD Deve Gowda, arrived in a wheelchair to cast his vote. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Shashi Tharoor, and others also cast their vote. Kharge, while entering the Parliament house, was seen shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, also cast his ballot. He chaired the Upper House of the Parliament in the absence of the Vice President during the Monsoon Session, after former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned, citing health reasons. NDA hold a majority in the Parliament, and 424 MPs are likely to vote in favour of Radhakrishnan, which is above the majority mark of 391. Counting of votes will be held at 6 PM today. (ANI)
|
