C P Radhakrishnan Elected India’s New Vice President, 2025
From RSS stalwart to second-highest constitutional office—his journey unfolds.
On September 9, 2025, C P Radhakrishnan was officially elected as the 15th Vice President of India, succeeding Jagdeep Dhankhar, who had resigned in July for health-related reasons. The election concluded with Radhakrishnan securing 452 of the 752 valid votes cast, defeating INDIA bloc’s candidate, Justice B Sudershan Reddy, who received 300 votes, while 15 ballots were invalid.
The Man Himself: Who Is C P Radhakrishnan?
A seasoned BJP leader, Radhakrishnan brings decades of political and administrative experience to the role. His journey includes:
- Long-standing ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and active leadership within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly in Tamil Nadu, where he served as state party chief.
- Governorship tenures in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and additional charge in Telangana.
- A reputation built on calm, non-confrontational leadership, earning admiration for his administrative balance and grassroots connectivity.
Often described as the “Vajpayee of Coimbatore,” Radhakrishnan embodies the moderation and ethos associated with Atal Bihari Vajpayee—a fitting image for his new role.
The Election: Numbers & Nuance
The vice-presidential poll, held under secret ballot by both houses of Parliament, saw an impressive 98% turnout. Of the 781-member electoral college, 767 voted; 752 votes were valid, with 15 invalid ballots.
While the NDA expected a win, the 152-vote margin, though comfortable, is among the narrower margins in recent history—reflecting subtle shifts in political dynamics.
Electoral details:
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| C P Radhakrishnan (NDA) | 452 | ~60.1% |
| B Sudershan Reddy (INDIA) | 300 | ~39.9% |
What’s Next? The Role & Reactions
As Vice President, Radhakrishnan will also serve as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, and is constitutionally empowered to momentarily assume the Presidency, if needed.Reuters+1Wikipedia
His election elicited warm congratulations:
- PM Narendra Modi praised his lifelong commitment to societal service and anticipated an “outstanding Vice President.”
- President Droupadi Murmu lauded his extensive experience and predicted a “successful and impactful tenure.”
- From the opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge extended his best wishes but underscored the importance of impartiality and respect for parliamentary traditions.
Key Takeaways
Radhakrishnan’s ascension marks a continuation of the NDA’s strategic thrust—not just in retaining high constitutional offices but expanding influence in South India, especially through an OBC leader rooted in RSS and BJP traditions.
This race also signals the importance of cross-party engagement and the subtle impact of abstentions or cross-voting—even in roles perceived as largely ceremonial.
In short, C P Radhakrishnan’s election is more than a title shift—it’s a reflection of political strategy, regional outreach, and the delicate balance of parliamentary democracy.
