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C.P. Radhakrishnan as India’s new Vice President
In a decisive and ideologically significant outcome, C. P. Radhakrishnan has been officially declared the 15th Vice President of India. The Election Commission of India—comprised of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners S. S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi—certified his election following his commanding victory over opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy by a margin of 152 votes.
A Resounding Mandate
The vice-presidential election, held on September 9, 2025, saw robust participation, with 767 out of 781 eligible Members of Parliament casting their ballots—a turnout of approximately 98.2%. Of these, 752 votes were declared valid, while 15 were invalid, setting the majority threshold at 377 first-preference votes.
C.P. Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee, secured 452 votes, comfortably surpassing the threshold and defeating B. Sudershan Reddy, the INDIA Bloc’s candidate, who obtained 300 votes.
Notably, the voting pattern revealed that Radhakrishnan received more support than anticipated purely from NDA legislators. This suggests instances of cross-voting from opposition MPs, with estimates pointing to at least 14 to 15 such votes.
Symbolism and Strategic Resonance
C.P. Radhakrishnan’s victory is being hailed as not just a political win but an ideological triumph. In his remarks following the result, he described the election outcome as a victory of “nationalistic ideology”, asserting that it transcended traditional political divisions and positioned it as affirming the NDA’s core ideological framework.
He also pledged to uphold democratic values and emphasized the critical role of both the ruling and opposition parties in maintaining a healthy polity. Additionally, he reiterated his commitment to guide India toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.
A Storied Political Journey
C.P. Radhakrishnan boasts a long and varied political career. Before being elected Vice President, he served as the Governor of Maharashtra and previously of Jharkhand. His political roots lie in the BJP and its ideological parent, the RSS. His early political engagement includes representing Coimbatore in Parliament, serving as BJP Tamil Nadu president, and chairing the Coir Board of India.
Known as “Ajatshatru” (one with no enemies) in Tamil Nadu political circles, Radhakrishnan’s reputation for cordial relationships across party lines—especially with regional players like the DMK and AIADMK—has earned him acclaim as a moderate and unifying figure.
Certification and Formalities Ahead
On September 10, the Election Commission completed the formal certification of his election. The signed certificate was handed over to the Union Home Secretary and is slated to be read during the oath-taking ceremony.
The oath of office is scheduled for September 12, to be administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Invitations are expected to be extended to key political dignitaries across the spectrum.
Reactions: From State Capitals to the National Stage
Political leaders across party lines have extended their congratulations:
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded Radhakrishnan’s elevation as a moment of pride and validation for his service.
- In North India, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, and others offered heartfelt congratulations and hoped his tenure would strengthen the nation.
- National leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, were among the first to meet and felicitate the Vice President-elect following the result.
Political Implications and Broader Significance
The outcome raises pressing questions about opposition unity. Cross-voting and invalid ballots have cast a spotlight on the cohesiveness of the INDIA bloc, exposing potential internal fissures and strategic embarrassments as it attempts to stake a national political alternative.
Meanwhile, for the NDA, this victory reinforces parliamentary dominance and highlights its capacity to mobilize support beyond traditional alliances—a testimony to both political maneuvering and symbolic resonance.
Context: A Historical Precedent
The election was necessitated by the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar earlier this year on health grounds, almost two years ahead of the scheduled end of his term. This marks the first early vice-presidential election in India since 1987.
In Summary
C.P. Radhakrishnan’s election as Vice President is richer than a mere numerical triumph. It is a layered narrative of ideological affirmation, cross-party appeal, and strategic mobilization. With a seasoned career, moderate demeanor, and cross-cutting appeal, he steps into one of India’s highest constitutional offices at a time when political coherence and ideological clarity are both in demand. As he assumes office, his tenure will test how effectively democratic values, federal harmony, and ideological clarity can coexist in a complex political ecosystem.
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