Rijiju ‘thanks’ MPs for cross-voting in Vice-Prez election, Tewari seeks probe

The Congress and the BJP on Wednesday locked horns over allegations of cross-voting in the vice-presidential elections, turning what was expected to be a routine contest into a political flashpoint.

Congress MP Manish Tewari said reports of Opposition MPs breaking ranks amounted to a breach of trust and called for a probe by all INDIA bloc constituents. He maintained that even the slightest evidence of cross-voting should be dealt with through a systematic and clinical inquiry, describing the matter as too serious to be brushed aside.

His demand came after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju took a swipe at the Opposition, publicly thanking its MPs who, he claimed, voted for NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan.

“Special thanks to some MPs of INDI Alliance who voted with ‘Conscience’ for NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan in the V-P election. NDA and all our friendly MPs remain united. Congratulations to everyone on electing a true patriot and a humble and efficient man as India’s new Vice-President,” Rijiju posted on X.

The BJP’s jibe has also triggered unease in the Opposition ranks, especially with crucial state elections in Bihar and Tamil Nadu around the corner. The V-P election allows secret ballot and exempts MPs from party whips, but the INDIA bloc fears that instances of cross-voting could signal cracks in its unity.