New Delhi, August 19, 2025

Hours after the INDIA Opposition bloc announced retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a key BJP ally, clarified its position, sending a strong message of unity within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu’s son, Nara Lokesh, who serves as the party’s general secretary and Andhra Pradesh minister, stated on X, “No ambiguity—only warmth, respect, and resolve. The NDA stands united.” Lokesh also recently met NDA’s Vice Presidential nominee CP Radhakrishnan to congratulate him. The statement comes amid Opposition attempts to court southern parties, particularly from Andhra Pradesh, where language and regional identity can be politically sensitive.

The INDIA bloc’s move appears designed to put pressure on the TDP, which had played a crucial role in ensuring the BJP-led government’s third term after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. By selecting an Andhra Pradesh-born candidate, the Opposition hoped to tempt the TDP into breaking ranks with the NDA, similar to the challenge DMK faced when the BJP nominated a Tamil leader for the same post. The DMK, however, has already clarified its position, stating the choice should be viewed politically, not linguistically.

With TDP now signaling support for the NDA, the BJP consolidates its advantage ahead of the September 9 election. The Vice President is elected by an electoral college of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, totaling 782 seats when excluding vacancies. The winning candidate requires at least 392 votes. The NDA’s combined strength of 293 Lok Sabha and 133 Rajya Sabha seats gives it a clear majority, making CP Radhakrishnan’s victory highly probable. Only a significant rebellion from within the alliance could alter the outcome, a scenario that currently appears unlikely.

The Opposition’s nomination of Justice Reddy, while unlikely to secure victory, serves an optics-driven purpose: it ensures the BJP faces a contest rather than a walkover and allows the Opposition to project unity amid its ongoing criticism of the government on alleged poll irregularities. Political analysts note that these moves, while largely symbolic, add intrigue to what could otherwise have been a routine election.

Despite the BJP’s numerical advantage, the Opposition’s candidate has introduced a new dynamic to the Vice Presidential contest, forcing both sides to engage in active campaigning and political positioning. Observers are closely watching how other regional parties respond and whether any surprises might emerge, although current indications favor the NDA’s plan.

By openly affirming its support, TDP not only strengthens the NDA’s position but also signals political stability within the alliance ahead of crucial national and state-level contests. This development reinforces the perception that the BJP continues to enjoy disciplined support from its key allies, potentially shaping the broader political narrative in the months to come.