Modi's policies resonate even with Opposition, Goyal on Radhakrishnan win

The BJP on Tuesday attributed the victory of the ruling NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's positive policies which, it said, were now even resonating with the Opposition.

Speaking after the results, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal cited 25 additional votes the NDA candidate polled beyond the ruling combine's calculations of 427.

Out of 752 valid votes, Radhakrishnan bagged 452 votes.

"Our combined strength was 427 and our candidate got 25 more which demonstrates that PM Narendra Modi's policies, leadership of the nation and vision of taking the country to the path of progress resonates even with MPs outside of the NDA," Goyal said. He said the NDA did not have to do anything to secure this result where the Opposition INDIA bloc nominee B Sudershan reddy polled 300 votes — 15 less than 315 the alliance claimed.

"This is clearly reflective of the popularity of NDA, of PM and his good policies which are now resonating even with members of the Opposition who prefer to be supporting the government rather than the negativity being peddled by the Opposition," Goyal added.

On cross voting in Radhakrishnan's favour, Goyal said it was a secret poll and some Opposition MPs had the courage to vote for the NDA candidate.

EX-VP NAIDU HAILS WIN

In a statement today, former VP M Venkaish Naidu said, "Heartiest congratulations to Thiru C P Radhakrishnan on being elected as the 15th Vice President of India. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Thiru Radhakrishnan is the epitome of discipline, dedication and integrity. His rise through the ranks of the party organisation and his inspiring journey bear testimony to his long years of hard work in public life in the service of the nation."