CP Radhakrishnan Becomes India’s 15th Vice President
- MGMMTeam
- 10 minutes ago
- 4 min read
C. P. Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee and current Governor of Maharashtra, has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India. In a high-turnout election, Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes, comfortably defeating the opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy, who managed 300 votes. The outcome marks a significant triumph for the ruling alliance, further consolidating its political strength in Parliament.
The election was necessitated after the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in July 2025 due to health reasons. The Vice President’s role, second only to the President in India’s constitutional framework, is central to maintaining order in the Rajya Sabha and stepping in as acting President when required. This was India’s first early vice-presidential election since 1987, underlining the importance of the political moment.
Voting Dynamics and Opposition Setback
Out of 781 eligible Members of Parliament, 767 participated in the election, recording a remarkable 98.2% turnout. Of these, 752 votes were deemed valid, while 15 were invalid. Radhakrishnan’s victory margin of 152 votes was larger than anticipated, leading to speculation of cross-voting within opposition ranks. The INDIA bloc, which had hoped to secure around 320 votes for Reddy, fell short by 20, raising questions about internal cohesion and strategic unity.
The result is being seen not merely as an electoral win but as a symbolic assertion of the NDA’s dominance at the national level. It has also highlighted the challenges facing the opposition, which continues to struggle with maintaining solidarity among its partners.
The Rise of C. P. Radhakrishnan
Born in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, in 1957, Radhakrishnan has been deeply rooted in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since the early years of his political career. A two-term Member of Parliament from Coimbatore in the late 1990s, he gained recognition not just for his parliamentary work but also for his address at the United Nations General Assembly in 2004.
Radhakrishnan has also served as the BJP’s Tamil Nadu president, during which he embarked on a 19,000 km Rath Yatra to promote social reforms and political awareness. More recently, he held gubernatorial responsibilities in Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and Maharashtra. His OBC background, southern roots, and reputation for integrity made him an appealing choice for the NDA, particularly as the BJP looks to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu and other southern states.
Opposition Candidate: B. Sudershan Reddy
Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, the INDIA bloc’s candidate, brought with him an impressive judicial background. A former Supreme Court judge and Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, he was also appointed the first Lokayukta of Goa in 2013. Despite his credentials, Reddy’s candidacy could not overcome the NDA’s numerical advantage in Parliament.
After the results, Reddy graciously accepted the verdict but emphasized that the INDIA bloc would continue what it described as an “ideological battle.” His statement underlined the opposition’s determination to remain relevant despite repeated setbacks.
Political Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radhakrishnan, describing him as a leader with simplicity, integrity, and a deep commitment to India’s constitutional values. He expressed confidence that the new Vice President would enrich parliamentary democracy and bring dignity to the Rajya Sabha chair. Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also lauded the election, saying it reflected the trust reposed in Radhakrishnan by elected representatives.
Regional parties, however, showcased mixed reactions. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) abstained from the election, citing concerns about farmer distress. This abstention pointed to the persistent fault lines in Indian politics, where regional priorities often intersect with national power contests.
The MGMM Outlook
C. P. Radhakrishnan’s election as India’s 15th Vice President is not just a routine political development but a decisive reinforcement of the NDA’s dominance in national politics. Winning with a clear margin of 152 votes against the INDIA bloc’s B. Sudershan Reddy, the result reflects not only the ruling alliance’s strong parliamentary arithmetic but also the opposition’s inability to hold its flock together. The speculation of cross-voting and the INDIA bloc’s shortfall reveal deep cracks in opposition unity, exposing the lack of strategic cohesion needed to counter the NDA. For the BJP, Radhakrishnan’s victory is also a symbolic assertion of its southern outreach, with his OBC background and Tamil Nadu roots making him a representative figure in regions where the party has long sought greater traction.
Radhakrishnan’s personal journey adds further weight to this political moment. From his early days as an RSS worker and a two-term MP from Coimbatore to his role as BJP’s Tamil Nadu chief and later as Governor in multiple states, he has built a reputation for simplicity, integrity, and strong administrative experience. His Rath Yatra across Tamil Nadu and his address at the UN General Assembly in 2004 highlight his political and global exposure, making him a seasoned leader prepared for national responsibility. In contrast, while Justice B. Sudershan Reddy’s credentials were impressive, his candidacy could not overcome the NDA’s numbers or momentum. The election, therefore, underscores the ruling alliance’s grip on power while reminding the opposition that lofty rhetoric cannot substitute for unity and strategy.
(Sources: LiveMint, India Today, News18)
Comments