Kharge to host INDIA bloc dinner for Opp MPs
New Delhi, Sep 7: Opposition MPs would be briefed on Monday on the procedure to vote in the September 9 vice presidential polls, sources in the INDIA bloc said on Sunday.
They said a ‘mock poll’ would be conducted in the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan at around 2:30 PM on Monday after the briefing on the procedure to vote in the vice presidential polls.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was to host a dinner for the opposition MPs as well on Monday evening but it has been cancelled in view of the flood situation in the country, the sources said.
It is a direct contest between ruling NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan and joint opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy on September 9. Both candidates this time hail from southern India, with Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu and Reddy from Telangana.
The vice-presidential election has been described by the Opposition as an ideological battle, even as the numbers are stacked in favour of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Rajya Sabha Secretary General P C Mody, who is the returning officer for the vice-presidential election, has said that the polling will take place on Tuesday in Room No. F-101, Vasudha, Parliament House.
The polling will commence at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m on September 9.
“The electoral college for election to the Office of the Vice-President of India consists of the Members of both Houses of Parliament. The nominated Members of Rajya Sabha are also eligible to be included in the Electoral College and, therefore, are entitled to participate in the election.
“The polling arrangements in Parliament House are being made by Shri P.C. Mody, the Returning Officer for the Vice-Presidential Election, 2025, and Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha,” the statement from the Rajya Sabha secretariat said.
“The counting of votes will commence at 6 PM on the same day and the result will be declared immediately thereafter,” it said. (PTI)