If politics is a game of moves and countermoves, the BJP has once again demonstrated its ability to turn every election, even one as ceremonial as the Vice Presidency, into a statement of strength. And unless Congress finds a way to reframe the contest, this nomination will be remembered not only as a BJP masterstroke, but also as yet another self-goal by the opposition.

The Congress-led INDIA bloc, in fielding Justice Reddy, may have sought to emphasize integrity and constitutionalism, but risks ceding emotional and symbolic ground to the BJP. In the final analysis, what was meant to be a dignified contest of ideas may turn into a textbook example of BJP’s political acumen and the opposition’s lack of strategic imagination. NDA’s numbers assure Radhakrishnan of a comfortable victory; also who seizes the political narrative. In this clash of perception, the BJP has laid out a carefully designed script, while the Congress-led INDIA bloc risks being cast as reactionary, divided, and unprepared.

The NDA holds a comfortable edge in the Vice-Presidential Electoral College. Opposition parties know Reddy cannot win. By nominating him, Congress appears to be fighting for symbolism, but symbolism is exactly where BJP has already seized the advantage. With Radhakrishnan framed as a moment of pride for Tamils, the DMK and its allies face a dilemma. To oppose him outright risks being branded as indifferent to Tamil representation at the highest constitutional levels. To support him, however, would fracture opposition unity.

Either way, Congress is placed on the back foot. While Justice Reddy........

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