Meet India’s New Vice President: CP Radhakrishnan Takes Charge

India has welcomed its 15th Vice President, with CP Radhakrishnan securing a decisive victory in the Vice Presidential election held on 9 September 2025. His election marks a significant moment in Indian politics, bringing in a leader with decades of experience in governance, administration, and parliamentary functioning.


🗳 Election Highlights

DetailInformation
NameCP Radhakrishnan
Political AffiliationNDA / Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Votes Secured452 out of 752
OpponentJustice B. Sudershan Reddy (INDIA Bloc)
Opponent’s Votes300
Election Date9 September 2025
RoleVice President & Rajya Sabha Chairperson

Radhakrishnan won with a comfortable majority, highlighting the NDA’s numerical strength in Parliament.


👤 Who is CP Radhakrishnan?

  • Born: 1957, Tamil Nadu
  • Background: Long-time member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP.
  • Political Career:
    • Twice elected as MP from Coimbatore.
    • Served as State BJP President in Tamil Nadu.
    • Held key administrative roles including Chairperson of Coir Board.
    • Served as Governor of Jharkhand and Maharashtra.

Known for his calm and non-confrontational style, Radhakrishnan is respected for consensus-building and administrative acumen.


📜 Constitutional Role of Vice President

The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional authority in India.

FunctionDescription
Rajya Sabha ChairpersonPresides over the Upper House and ensures smooth functioning.
Successor RoleActs as the President of India if the position falls vacant due to resignation, death, or removal.
Bridge Between Govt & OppositionPlays a neutral role in managing debates and ensuring order.

Radhakrishnan’s election is expected to bring stability and balanced leadership in parliamentary sessions.


🔎 Why Was This Election Held?

  • The election was necessitated after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned in July 2025 due to health reasons, despite having time left in his term.
  • In accordance with constitutional provisions, Parliament conducted the election on 9 September 2025.
  • Both NDA and INDIA bloc fielded their candidates, with NDA’s numbers clearly favoring their nominee.

🔑 Political Significance

  • Strengthening NDA’s Influence: The win demonstrates NDA’s dominance in Parliament.
  • Opposition’s Stand: The INDIA bloc, though united in backing Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, fell short numerically.
  • Governance Continuity: With a seasoned leader now in place, parliamentary sessions are expected to run more smoothly.

✅ What This Means for India

  1. Stronger Rajya Sabha Leadership: With his administrative background, Radhakrishnan is expected to handle debates tactfully.
  2. BJP’s Rising Presence in South India: His election also symbolizes the party’s effort to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu and southern India.
  3. Stable Governance: As the constitutional successor to the President, his role will remain crucial in times of transition.

📌 Key Takeaways

  • CP Radhakrishnan has become the 15th Vice President of India.
  • He secured 452 votes against 300 from his rival.
  • His election underscores NDA’s majority and influence in Parliament.
  • His political and administrative experience is expected to bring balance, discipline, and stability in Rajya Sabha proceedings.