<h1>Opposition vice-presidential candidate urges MPs to vote conscience in secret ballot to defend parliamentary traditions and dignity</h1> An opposition vice-presidential candidate, a former Supreme Court judge, appealed to MPs ahead of the September 9 vice-presidential election to vote on conscience rather than party loyalty, noting the secret ballot and absence of a whip, and framed the contest as a defence of parliamentary traditions and democratic values. The race is a direct contest with the ruling coalition's nominee, with numbers favouring the government. The candidate emphasized past judicial rulings and a record on accountability to support claims that electing him would protect the Rajya Sabha's dignity and democratic space.