Vice President Election 2025: Naveen Patnaik's BJD To Abstain From Voting, Says MP Sasmit Patra

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has announced it will abstain from voting in the Vice Presidential elections scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. The party's Rajya Sabha MP, Sasmit Patra, said the decision reflects BJD's policy of maintaining "equal distance" from both the BJP-led NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

"Biju Janata Dal has decided to abstain from the vice presidential elections tomorrow. The party remains equidistant from both the NDA and INDIA alliances. Our priority continues to be the development and welfare of Odisha's 4.5 crore people," Patra stated.

The Contest

The election will see a direct face-off between Justice (Retd.) B Sudershan Reddy, fielded by the INDIA bloc, and the NDA's candidate, CP Radhakrishnan. While the BJD holds seven seats in the Rajya Sabha, it has no representation in the Lok Sabha.

BJD's Track Record

The decision to sit out comes despite the party's history of extending crucial support to the NDA in the past, including during the 2022 presidential and vice-presidential elections. This abstention is being viewed as a signal of BJD's intent to retain its political independence ahead of upcoming national realignments.

The Vacancy

The Vice Presidential post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21 during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health reasons. The Vice President is elected by an electoral college of MPs from both Houses through proportional representation and a secret ballot, as mandated under Articles 64, 66, and 68 of the Constitution.

With the BJD opting out, the outcome will rest squarely on the strength of the two national alliances, while Odisha's ruling party continues to chart its own course in Delhi's power play.