In a dramatic turn of events during India’s Vice Presidential election, the opposition, which had mobilized all its 324 MPs to cast their votes, faced unexpected setbacks. Sources from India TV revealed that over 10 votes from key INDIA bloc partners were declared invalid, surprising alliance leaders. The invalid votes reportedly came from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT).

Invalid Votes by Party:

• AAP: 3

• RJD: 2

• JMM: 1

• Shiv Sena (UBT): 2

Additionally, several MPs reportedly cross-voted in favor of the NDA candidate, CP Radhakrishnan, further adding to the opposition’s dismay.

According to Returning Officer P C Mody, a total of 767 MPs participated in the election, reflecting a 98.2% turnout. Of these, 752 votes were valid while 15 were deemed invalid. One postal ballot was canceled as the MP opted not to cast a vote. CP Radhakrishnan received 452 first-preference votes, defeating his opponent Reddy, who secured 300 votes.

Radhakrishnan will be sworn in as India’s 15th Vice President, following the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21.

The Vice Presidential electoral college consists of 788 members: 245 from the Rajya Sabha, 543 from the Lok Sabha, and 12 nominated Rajya Sabha members. With six Rajya Sabha seats and one Lok Sabha seat vacant, the current strength of the college stands at 781, making the majority mark 391. The NDA had 425 MPs while the opposition camp counted 324 supporters.

However, 14 MPs from three parties and Independents boycotted the polls, including seven Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and four Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MPs from the Rajya Sabha, and two Independent and one Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP from the Lok Sabha.