However, the Opposition is expected to announce its candidate for the vice-presidential election to be held on September 9. The DMK has already refused to support Radhakrishnan, calling him a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appointee, and wants the INDIA bloc to field a Tamil contender against him.

After the NDA meet, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “The floor leaders, MPs of the NDA, warmly welcomed C P Radhakrishnan ji, congratulated him, and thanked the Prime Minister. His introduction was given by Prime Minister Modi in the meeting of the NDA Parliamentary Party. Along with the introduction, PM Modi has appealed that the entire party and all the MPs of the parties should come together and unanimously support the candidate decided by the NDA for the vice-presidential election.”

“CP Radhakrishnan is a very good name for the post of vice-president. Everyone has accepted this. There is no controversy in his life, no corruption, no stain. He has lived a very simple life and has worked for society and the country. If such a person becomes the vice-president of the country, it will be a matter of great happiness for the country,” Rijiju said.

“Rajnath Singh is also talking to everyone, and we want that we all support Radhakrishnan unanimously in the election of the vice-president. It will be very useful for our democracy, for our country and also in running Rajya Sabha.”

While Rijiju conducted the meeting, which lasted for about one hour, PM Modi addressed the delegates. He is learnt to have explained to the MPs that the Indus Water Treaty had, in a flawed manner, awarded 80 per cent of the water to Pakistan, adding that it would stay in abeyance.

NDA MPs congratulated Radhakrishan, and presented him with bouquets and shawls.