Image Source: Hindustan Times
In a decisive electoral victory, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India, defeating the opposition candidate, former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy. The election was marked by a high turnout and keen political interest, reflecting the strategic importance of the vice presidency in India’s parliamentary democracy. This newsletter explores the election details, candidate profiles, voting process, and the implications of this victory for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Indian politics at large.
Key Highlights of the Vice Presidential Election 2025
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CP Radhakrishnan secured 452 first preference votes out of 752 valid votes cast.
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B Sudershan Reddy, the opposition INDIA bloc candidate, garnered 300 votes.
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Voter turnout was exceptionally high at 98.2%, with 767 votes cast out of 781 eligible MPs.
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The election was conducted via a secret ballot involving members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
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The election followed the unexpected resignation of the previous Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing health reasons.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key NDA leaders played a significant role in rallying support for Radhakrishnan.
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Opposition candidate Sudershan Reddy expressed confidence but acknowledged the challenge posed by the NDA’s numerical strength.
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The vice president serves as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and assumes presidential duties in temporary vacancies, symbolizing the second highest constitutional office in India.
Election Details and Voting Process
The Vice Presidential election took place on September 9, 2025, in the newly inaugurated Parliament building. Members from both Houses of Parliament—the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—participated in the electoral college with extensive political maneuvering observed ahead of the vote. The voting lasted from 10 am to 5 pm, after which counting commenced promptly at 6 pm under the supervision of the Returning Officer, Secretary-General of Rajya Sabha P.C. Mody.
Unlike Lok Sabha elections, voting in the Vice President’s election is based on a preferential system conducted by secret ballot, allowing MPs to vote without party whips, though political alignments heavily influence outcomes. The NDA’s substantial majority in Parliament ensured a comfortable victory for Radhakrishnan against a united opposition front.
Profiles of the Main Candidates
CP Radhakrishnan, aged 68, representing the NDA, currently serves as Maharashtra Governor. Hailing from Tamil Nadu's Goundar-Kongu Vellalar community, he boasts decades of experience within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), having held parliamentary and organizational roles. His grassroots connect and administrative aptitude were considered key strengths by the NDA leadership.
In contrast, B Sudershan Reddy, aged 79, was the INDIA bloc’s consensus candidate. A respected former Supreme Court judge from Telangana, Reddy is known for landmark judgments that often challenged government policies, including rulings on black money investigations and constitutional validity of state actions. Despite a respectable vote share, he was unable to surpass the ruling coalition's numerical advantage.
Political Reactions and Analysis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated CP Radhakrishnan soon after the results were declared, lauding his dedication and commitment to public service. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his congratulations, emphasizing Radhakrishnan’s experience in serving marginalized communities and strengthening parliamentary democracy.
Opposition reactions included a mix of respect for Sudershan Reddy’s performance and reflection on the challenges ahead. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described the opposition’s performance as respectable and framed the electoral loss as a moral and political setback that underscored the ideological battle with the BJP-led government.
Political analysts attributed the NDA’s victory to effective floor management, robust outreach by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and seamless execution of their election strategy. The opposition’s vote count, while significant, revealed cracks in the coalition’s unity, highlighted by unexpected abstentions and cross-voting reports.
Significance of the Vice Presidency
The Vice President of India holds the second highest constitutional office, predominantly serving as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). The Vice President also acts as the President in case of any vacancy due to death, resignation, or removal until a new President is elected. While mainly a ceremonial role, the position embodies the constitutional balance and democratic spirit of parliamentary proceedings.
CP Radhakrishnan’s election reinforces the NDA’s hold on key constitutional offices and offers the ruling alliance a strategic figure responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the Rajya Sabha, especially amid politically fractious times. His experience could play a vital role as the upper house navigates critical legislative sessions and national policy debates.
Conclusion
CP Radhakrishnan’s election as the 15th Vice President of India marks a significant milestone in 2025’s political landscape, underscoring the ruling NDA's dominance in Parliament and raising the profile of experienced leaders within the BJP fold. The spirited contest against B Sudershan Reddy highlighted democratic engagement within the parliamentary framework, with high participation and transparent voting mechanisms.
This development not only shapes parliamentary leadership but also adds a seasoned politician to India’s constitutional hierarchy, potentially influencing the Rajya Sabha’s functioning in coming years. The nationwide political discourse will watch closely how Radhakrishnan leverages his vice-presidential powers to support India's democratic governance.
Source: NDTV, Reuters, Hindustan Times, Economic Times, India Today, CNN-News18
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