BJP Fears Cross-Voting in Vice-Presidential Polls: Sanjay Raut
The Vice-Presidential polls are just around the corner, and political parties are leaving no stone unturned to secure the required number of votes to ensure their candidate’s victory. In a recent statement, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that the BJP is worried about cross-voting in the upcoming polls. According to Raut, the BJP is concerned that MPs from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana might support the Opposition’s candidate, Sudershan Reddy.
In an interview with a leading news channel, Raut said, “The NDA is jittery ahead of the VP polls as there is unease among Andhra Pradesh and Telangana MPs.” He further added, “Are you (NDA) scared that there will be cross-voting?” This statement has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum, with many wondering what exactly Raut meant by his statement.
Raut’s statement is significant because it highlights the growing unease within the ruling NDA coalition. The BJP’s candidate for the Vice-Presidential polls, Jagdeep Dhankhar, is pitted against Sudershan Reddy, the Opposition’s nominee. While the NDA has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the BJP’s ability to secure the required votes from the Opposition parties is uncertain.
Raut’s example of the Shiv Sena’s support for the UPA’s candidate in the 2007 Presidential polls is an interesting one. In 2007, the Shiv Sena, then a BJP ally, supported Pratibha Patil, the UPA’s candidate, simply because she hailed from Maharashtra. This move was seen as a significant departure from the usual party lines, and it raised questions about the party’s priorities.
In the context of the current Vice-Presidential polls, Raut’s statement suggests that the BJP might be worried about similar cross-voting in the upcoming polls. The BJP has traditionally enjoyed strong support from MPs from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, particularly from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). However, there are indications that these parties might not be as loyal to the BJP as they once were.
In recent times, there have been growing tensions between the BJP and the TDP, with the latter accusing the former of not fulfilling its promises. Similarly, the TRS has been critical of the BJP’s handling of the Telangana issue, and there are fears that the party might support the Opposition’s candidate.
Raut’s statement has also raised questions about the BJP’s efforts to win over MPs from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The BJP has traditionally relied on its strong organizational network in these states to secure their support. However, with the Opposition parties gaining ground in these regions, the BJP’s ability to secure the required votes is uncertain.
In conclusion, Sanjay Raut’s statement about the BJP’s fears of cross-voting in the Vice-Presidential polls highlights the growing unease within the ruling NDA coalition. The BJP’s ability to secure the required votes from the Opposition parties is uncertain, and Raut’s example of the Shiv Sena’s support for the UPA’s candidate in the 2007 Presidential polls is an interesting one. As the Vice-Presidential polls approach, it remains to be seen how the BJP will navigate this complex terrain and secure the required votes to ensure their candidate’s victory.
