Shiv Sena Alleges 16 INDIA Bloc MPs Backed NDA’s VP Radhakrishnan

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has accused 16 Members of Parliament from the opposition INDIA alliance, including those from Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), of cross-voting in favour of NDA nominee C. P. Radhakrishnan during the Vice Presidential poll, securing his landslide victory with 452 votes against opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy's 300.

This claim exposes potential fractures within the opposition, highlighting internal dissent and the influence of conscience over party directives in high-stakes parliamentary contests, which could reshape alliance dynamics ahead of future elections and underscore the NDA's cohesive strength in India's polarised political landscape.

Nirupam, addressing a press conference, asserted that five MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) and others from Sharad Pawar's NCP faction bolstered Radhakrishnan's tally, leading to the NDA's triumph on Tuesday night. He mocked the opposition's pre-poll confidence, declaring the INDIA bloc as "completely fragmented" compared to the united NDA. Echoing this, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde took to X, thanking INDIA and MVA members who "listened to their conscience" over party whips, implying ethical cross-voting.

In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut dismissed the allegations, claiming Reddy effectively achieved the targeted 315 votes if 15 invalid ballots—cast in his favour—are considered. Raut accused those spreading cross-voting rumours of insulting party loyalists and suggested that power and money influenced only 10-12 votes. He revealed suspicions about specific defectors and criticised parties like BJD, BRS, and Shiromani Akali Dal for backing the government despite initial promises to support the opposition, attributing it to fear and misuse of authority.

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Rajya Sabha Secretary General P. C. Mody reported 767 out of 781 MPs voted, with 752 valid ballots and 15 invalid, setting the majority at 377. Raut remained undeterred, noting 300 votes as a significant achievement. These developments follow indications of cross-voting, potentially signalling deeper rifts in opposition unity.

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