CP Radhakrishnan Elected as India’s 15th Vice President

On September 9, 2025, CP Radhakrishnan, the former Tamil Nadu BJP president and Maharashtra Governor, was elected as the 15th Vice President of India, defeating opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy, a senior advocate and former Supreme Court judge. The election witnessed a high turnout of 98.3%, showcasing the unity and participation of parliamentarians.

Election Results and Turnout

Radhakrishnan secured 452 first preference votes, while Justice Reddy received 300 votes. Fifteen votes were declared invalid. Out of 781 eligible MPs, 767 cast their votes, marking an impressive 98.20% turnout. Thirteen MPs abstained, including members from the Biju Janata Dal, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Shiromani Akali Dal, and one independent.

His victory margin of 152 votes not only affirmed NDA’s legislative strength but also pointed to potential cross-voting within opposition ranks—an indication of internal dissent or strategic shifts among INDIA bloc constituents.

Background of the Vacancy

The Vice Presidential post had remained vacant since July 21, 2025, after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned due to health concerns. The early election ensured constitutional continuity and reinforced the NDA’s emphasis on stabilizing key parliamentary roles.

Who is CP Radhakrishnan?

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has had a long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

His political career includes,

• Serving as a two-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore (1998 and 1999)
• Becoming Tamil Nadu BJP president
• Holding positions on various parliamentary committees
• Chairing the Coir Board from 2016 to 2020, during which coir exports hit record highs
• Acting as BJP’s Kerala in-charge from 2020 to 2022

Radhakrishnan also served as Governor of Jharkhand, and later held additional charge of Telangana and Puducherry. Most recently, he was appointed Governor of Maharashtra in July 2024 before being nominated for the Vice Presidency.

His Broader Contributions

Beyond politics, Radhakrishnan is known for his engagement in sports like table tennis, cricket, and volleyball. He has represented India in multiple international delegations across Asia, Europe, and North America, highlighting his diplomatic acumen.

His career reflects a mix of administrative efficiency and political loyalty, making him a strong fit for the Vice President’s constitutional responsibilities, particularly as the Rajya Sabha’s presiding officer.

Why This Election Matters

• Strategic win for NDA: The result demonstrated NDA’s command in Parliament and the opposition’s ongoing struggle to consolidate.
• Stability and experience: Radhakrishnan brings decades of administrative and political experience, a valuable asset for managing parliamentary proceedings.
• Electoral insight: The pattern of abstentions and invalid votes raises questions about alliance discipline and internal negotiations ahead of the next general elections.
• Role continuity: With this appointment, India ensures a seamless transition in one of its top constitutional posts amid an evolving political landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Election Date: September 9, 2025
• Winner: CP Radhakrishnan (452 votes)
• Runner-up: Justice B Sudershan Reddy (300 votes)
• Invalid Votes: 15
• Total Turnout: 767 out of 781 MPs (98.20%)