Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as India’s next Vice President after securing majority support in Parliament. He defeated Opposition nominee B Sudershan Reddy as several regional parties abstained.
New Delhi: Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as India’s next Vice President after securing majority support in Parliament. Lawmakers from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha cast their votes between 10 am and 5 pm in Room No. F-101, Vasudha, Parliament House.
The counting of votes confirmed CP Radhakrishnan as the official victor, securing the second-highest constitutional office in India.
CP Radhakrishnan: India’s New Vice President
Early Life & Political Roots
- Born May 4, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu.
- Began his political journey as an RSS activist and later became part of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1974.
- Comes from the influential Gounder (OBC) community in Tamil Nadu, giving him a strong grassroots connect.
Parliamentary Career & National-Level Work
- Elected to the Lok Sabha in 1998 and 1999, representing Coimbatore.
- His first win came in the aftermath of the Coimbatore bomb blasts, which shook the city in 1998.
- Served on several committees, including the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Textiles, Public Sector Undertakings, and Finance.
- Was part of the Indian delegation to the UN General Assembly (2004) and also visited Taiwan as part of the first parliamentary delegation.
Party Leadership & Mass Outreach
- Served as President of Tamil Nadu BJP (2004–2007).
- Undertook a 93-day, 19,000 km Rath Yatra, highlighting issues such as river linking, the Uniform Civil Code, anti-terrorism measures, and ending untouchability.
- Later held charge of BJP affairs in Kerala (2020–2022).
Administrative Roles & Governorships
- Chaired the Coir Board (2016–2020), where he boosted exports to record levels.
- Appointed Governor of Jharkhand in 2023, touring all 24 districts within four months.
- Also held additional charge as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
- Became Governor of Maharashtra in July 2024, before being nominated for Vice President.
Attributes & Leadership Style
- Known for his simple lifestyle and clean image.
- Described as someone who “loves sports, not political games.”
- Seen as a consensus-builder with administrative experience across multiple states.
Vice Presidential Election Win
- In September 2025, elected as Vice President of India, securing 452 votes.
- Defeated Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy, with several regional parties abstaining.
- As Vice President, he will also serve as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, responsible for conducting parliamentary proceedings and maintaining order.
Opposition Candidate: B Sudershan Reddy
The Opposition, led by the Congress party, nominated Former Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy. Renowned for his legal acumen and involvement in high-profile cases, Reddy brought a strong ideological and constitutional perspective to the race.
The Opposition framed this election as a battle to safeguard democratic principles and parliamentary independence. While Reddy’s candidacy emphasized the importance of non-partisan oversight in the Rajya Sabha, the numbers largely favored the NDA candidate, limiting his chances of victory.
Abstentions and Regional Dynamics
Several regional parties—including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)—opted to abstain from voting. Leaders explained that their stance was meant to highlight state-level priorities and maintain neutrality between the NDA and the Congress-led INDIA bloc.
Political analysts note that such abstentions reflect growing regionalism and the desire of smaller parties to assert independence from national political narratives.
Powers and Responsibilities of the Vice President
The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament. In this capacity, the officeholder:
- Presides over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha and ensures orderly conduct of debates.
- Decides on points of order, procedural matters, and interprets parliamentary rules.
- Has the authority to maintain decorum and can discipline members for violating rules.
- Plays a key role in the legislative process by facilitating discussion and ensuring smooth passage of bills.
- Is the ex-officio deputy to the President of India and can act as the President in case of vacancy or inability.
The Vice President’s role is crucial for maintaining the balance between executive authority and parliamentary oversight. The office demands impartiality, legislative knowledge, and the ability to manage complex political dynamics within the Upper House.
Significance of the Election
This Vice Presidential election carries both symbolic and functional importance. Beyond numbers, the contest highlights ideological differences between the ruling NDA and the Opposition. The position also serves as a barometer for parliamentary alignments and regional political influence.
With CP Radhakrishnan assuming office, attention will focus on how they manage debates, legislative business, and the interface between the Upper House and the government.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Roots | RSS activist since 1970s; BJP state leader |
| Parliamentary Career | Two terms as MP; chaired key committees; UN delegate |
| Mass Outreach | Rath Yatra, campaign tours across Tamil Nadu |
| Governorships | Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, Maharashtra |
| Attributes | Administrative acumen, clean image, sports enthusiast |
| VP Election Win | Secured 452 votes, backed by NDA’s majority support |
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