Vice-Presidential electionThe results of the Vice-Presidential election are in. However, the decision of some political parties such as the Biju Janata Dal, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and Akali Dal to abstain from voting in the election is unfortunate and a sign of political expediency (Inside pages, September 9). This is an election held by secret ballot and there is no question of any party whip being issued. In this case, it is inexplicable why parties should abstain from voting and renege on their constitutional function to vote. What is the difference then between the common voter, who stays away from voting in the general election for various reasons and these Parliament members who abstain from voting in the Vice-presidential election? When Parliament members, who are supposed to be responsible, themselves abstain from voting in an important election such as the Vice-Presidential election, why blame the common man when he does not exercise his voting right in general or Assembly elections? These parties should have allowed their members to participate in the election and vote as per the member’s individual conscience and choice. That would have been more democratic, protected the rights of the Parliament members and upheld democratic values.Kosaraju Chandramouli,HyderabadGiven the numerical superiority of the NDA in the electoral college, the win of C.P. Radhakrishnan has come as no surprise. As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he must be impartial. To put it plainly, he must stay away from demonstrating his gratitude to the NDA for his election. He must be guided by the fact that the Opposition is no less important than the government and has its own role to play in a parliamentary democracy. He will be closely watched on how he manages to the conduct of his duties in true faith and allegiance to the Constitution. He must steer clear of the political battles fought within and outside Parliament.G. David Milton,Maruthancode, Tamil NaduPublished - September 10, 2025 12:24 am IST