C. P. Radhakrishnan Elected 15th Vice President of India
In a widely anticipated election, NDA’s nominee C. P. Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra, has been elected as India’s 15th Vice President. He secured 452 votes, defeating INDIA bloc’s candidate — former Supreme Court judge B. Sudarshan Reddy, who received 300 votes, with a winning margin of 152 votes
Voting Process & Turnout
- Voting took place on September 9, 2025, between 10 AM and 5 PM, with over 96–98% turnout among the 781-member electoral college comprising MPs from both Parliament houses.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast the first vote, setting the tone for the high-stakes contest.
- The Opposition INDIA bloc turned up 100%, with all 315 MPs casting their votes as a show of unity.
Background & Political Context
- The election was called after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as Vice President on July 21, 2025, citing health issues.
- C. P. Radhakrishnan, a seasoned politician from Tamil Nadu and an RSS and BJP veteran, previously served as Governor in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Puducherry.
- B. Sudarshan Reddy, the INDIA bloc’s candidate, is a respected retired Supreme Court judge known for his distinguished legal career.
What the Result Signifies
- Radhakrishnan’s victory reflects the ruling alliance’s parliamentary dominance. His election follows a long-standing pattern of NDA strength in such constitutional contests.
- Although largely a ceremonial post, the Vice President also serves as the Chair of the Rajya Sabha and steps in during presidential vacancies — making the role constitutionally significant
