Celebrations erupt in NDA camp, ministers congratulate VP-elect

NEW DELHI: Celebrations were expected in the BJP-led NDA camp, given the need to ensure a clean victory of a diehard saffronite after the experience with the ex-VP. The result belied repeated claims by opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy that many in the governing column would heed their conscience and support him.

Celebrations erupted at the Akbar Road residence of Union minister Pralhad Joshi, where VP-elect CP Radhakrishnan has been staying since filing his nomination for the poll on Aug 20.

Home minister Amit Shah was among the first senior NDA netas to congratulate Radhakrishnan. On X, Shah said Radhakrishnan's sagacity as a leader and profound administrative kno-wledge would help bring out the best in India's parliamentary democracy.

Former PM HD Deve Gowda said, "I am sure he'll work toward strengthening our democratic traditions and institutions."

Defence minister Rajnath Singh praised Radhakrishnan's distinguished public life, highlighting his humility, integrity and commitment to service.

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu, along with former VP M Venkaiah Naidu, congratulated Radha-krishnan. "I extend my best wishes to him for a successful, fulfilling and distingu-ished tenure devoted to serving our great nation and advancing its progress and pro-sperity," said Chandrababu.