"Many in Opposition believe in PM Modi, nationalism": BJP MP Deepak Prakash on extra votes for Radhakrishnan

New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Deepak Prakash on Wednesday said that the extra votes polled in favour of NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan in the recently concluded Vice Presidential election indicate that several opposition MPs support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and vision.
"Congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan from the bottom of my heart on being elected to the position of Vice President. This is a win for the NDA alliance," Prakash told ANI.
He further added, "By fielding a candidate, the opposition has proven itself weak....The fact that we got more votes than counted indicates that there are many members in the opposition who believe in PM Modi and nationalism."
Earlier, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday took a "conscience" swipe at the opposition over the probability of cross-voting by the INDIA bloc MPs in the recently concluded Vice Presidential election, where NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan emerged victorious.
Rijiju said that NDA and "all our friendly MPs" remain united.
"Special thanks to some MPs of the INDI Alliance who voted with 'Conscience' for NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan in the VP election. NDA and all our friendly MPs remain united. Congratulations to everyone on electing a humble & efficient man and a true patriot as India's new Vice President," Rijiju posted on X.
Meanwhile, Radhakrishnan, the NDA nominee, was elected as the 15th Vice President of India after securing 452 first preference votes. INDIA bloc candidate Justice (Retd) B Sudershan Reddy received 300 votes, while 15 votes were declared invalid.
A total voter turnout of 98.20 per cent was recorded, with 767 MPs casting their votes out of 781.
Following the announcement of results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated C.P. Radhakrishnan and expressed confidence that the newly elected Vice President would strengthen India's constitutional values and contribute positively to parliamentary discourse.
"Congratulations to Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji on winning the 2025 Vice Presidential election. His life has always been devoted to serving society and empowering the poor and marginalised. I am confident that he will be an outstanding VP, who will strengthen our Constitutional values and enhance Parliamentary discourse, Prime Minister Modi wrote on X.
Furthermore, 13 MPs abstained from voting in the election. These include seven MPs from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), four from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), one MP from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and one Independent MP.
The Vice President's post has been vacant since July 21, 2025, as Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his position, citing health reasons. (ANI)