Voting for the Vice Presidential election began Tuesday morning at Parliament House, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being the first to cast his vote. Polling is taking place in Vasudha Hall, Room No. F-101, and will continue from 10 am to 5 pm.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has fielded C P Radhakrishnan, former Maharashtra and Jharkhand Governor and ex-Tamil Nadu BJP chief, as its candidate. He is credited with strengthening the BJP in southern India. The Opposition has nominated former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy, who retired in 2011 and would become the first ex-judge of the apex court to contest for this post.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Kiren Rijiju were among the early voters. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, and SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav also cast their votes.

Meanwhile, regional parties like the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have decided to abstain. The BJD cited its policy of maintaining equal distance from both NDA and INDIA blocs, while BRS said its boycott reflects the “anguish” of Telangana farmers over urea shortages. The SAD stated its decision was due to the flood crisis in Punjab.

The Vice Presidential election is being closely watched as both the ruling coalition and the Opposition vie for influence in the Upper House. Counting will begin after polling concludes at 5 pm.