Following the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to all MPs, including those from the Opposition, to extend unanimous support to Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA’s nominee for the upcoming Vice Presidential election.
During the meeting, held at the Parliament Library building, PM Modi introduced Radhakrishnan to floor leaders and MPs, who welcomed and congratulated him.
“Along with the introduction, Prime Minister Modi appealed to the entire party, especially the Opposition, that all MPs should come together and unanimously support the NDA’s candidate,” Rijiju told reporters.
He added that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also reaching out to leaders across parties to build consensus.
“We want everyone to support Radhakrishnan unanimously in the (Vice Presidential) election. It will strengthen democracy, benefit the country, and help in the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha,” Rijiju said.
Praising Radhakrishnan’s candidature, Rijiju highlighted his clean public image. There is no controversy in his life, no corruption, no stain; he has lived a very simple life and has only worked for society and the country. If such a person becomes the Vice President of the country, it will be a matter of great happiness for the country,” he said
Earlier in the day, PM Modi felicitated Radhakrishnan at the meeting attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, and several other senior ministers and MPs.
Radhakrishnan will file his nomination on August 20 at 11 am, with around 160 members, including 20 proposers and 20 supporters, expected to be present. The Vice Presidential election will take place on September 9.
(With inputs from ANI)