C.P. Radhakrishnan Elected as India's 15th Vice President

C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President of India on September 9, 2025, following a closely watched contest between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc. Radhakrishnan, the NDA's nominee and then-Governor of Maharashtra, secured 452 first preference votes, while his rival, former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, received 300. The election saw a high turnout, with 767 out of 781 eligible Members of Parliament casting their ballots, and 15 votes declared invalid. The result was officially announced by Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody, who stated, “NDA nominee and Maharashtra governor C.P. Radhakrishnan got 452 first preference votes. He has been elected as the vice president of India.”

Election Process and Political Context

The Vice President of India is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both houses of Parliament, using a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote and secret ballot. This process ensures that the winning candidate reflects the collective preferences of the MPs, rather than a simple majority. The 2025 election was necessitated by the unexpected resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, due to health reasons. The contest was marked by significant cross-voting, with some opposition MPs reportedly supporting the NDA candidate, contributing to Radhakrishnan’s victory margin. Notably, several MPs from parties such as the Biju Janata Dal, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, and Shiromani Akali Dal abstained from voting.

Radhakrishnan’s Political Journey

C.P. Radhakrishnan brings nearly five decades of political experience to the office. He began his career in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at age 17, later joining the BJP at its inception in 1980. Radhakrishnan has held several key positions, including state BJP president in Tamil Nadu, chair of the Coir Board, and multiple governorships—Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and Maharashtra. His tenure as Governor of Maharashtra began on July 31, 2024. Known for his organizational skills and grassroots outreach, Radhakrishnan has led major political campaigns, including a 93-day ‘Ratha Yatra’ across Tamil Nadu and two extensive ‘pada yatras’ on foot. His leadership of the Coir Board saw record exports and industry growth.

Reactions and Implications

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radhakrishnan, stating, “His life has always been devoted to serving society and empowering the poor and marginalised. I am confident that he will be an outstanding VP, who will strengthen our Constitutional values and enhance Parliamentary discourse.” The relatively narrow margin of victory—one of the lowest in recent vice-presidential elections—reflects both the NDA’s parliamentary strength and the evolving dynamics within the opposition. Radhakrishnan’s election is expected to reinforce the NDA’s influence in Parliament and shape the legislative agenda in the coming years.

The Vice President’s office, which had been vacant since July, will now be occupied by a seasoned leader with deep roots in southern India and a reputation for consensus-building. Radhakrishnan’s extensive experience in both legislative and executive roles positions him to play a pivotal part in the functioning of the Rajya Sabha and the broader parliamentary process.