Dateline: New Delhi | September 9, 2025
Lead
National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President of India on Tuesday, defeating opposition-backed Justice B. Sudershan Reddy by a margin of 152 votes. The election, held in Parliament, was marred by reports of cross-voting and abstentions, reflecting the shifting political equations in the country.
Election Results & Voting Pattern
According to official figures released by the Election Commission of India, Radhakrishnan secured 450 votes out of the 780 polled, while Sudershan Reddy managed 298 votes. Thirty-two votes were declared invalid.
Notably, several MPs from opposition ranks either abstained or cross-voted in favour of the NDA candidate. Political analysts suggest this outcome reveals cracks in the opposition INDIA bloc, which has been struggling to maintain unity in the run-up to the next round of state elections.
The Vice Presidential election is conducted by an electoral college comprising members of both houses of Parliament. Unlike the Presidential poll, state legislatures do not have a role.
Who is C.P. Radhakrishnan?
Radhakrishnan, 67, is a veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu with over four decades of political experience. Known for his organizational skills, he has served multiple terms as an MP from Coimbatore and held key posts within the party’s Tamil Nadu unit.
His election is being seen as a strategic move by the BJP to strengthen its southern presence, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the party has been making steady but modest inroads. By elevating a Tamil leader to one of the highest constitutional offices, the NDA hopes to signal inclusivity and broaden its appeal.
Opposition’s Candidate & Reactions
The opposition had fielded Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, a retired Supreme Court judge from Telangana, as its consensus candidate. While Reddy’s nomination was seen as an attempt to present a neutral, non-political face, the outcome demonstrated the limitations of the opposition alliance in rallying numbers.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated Radhakrishnan but lamented the lack of cohesion within opposition ranks. “This defeat underlines the need for stronger unity if we are to present an effective challenge in 2026,” he told reporters.
The Trinamool Congress and several regional parties either abstained or had members cross-vote, further undercutting the INDIA bloc’s position.
Significance of the Post
The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office after the President and serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. In this role, Radhakrishnan will preside over the Upper House at a time when legislative battles between the ruling NDA and the opposition are expected to intensify.
Observers note that the Vice President’s ability to manage debates, enforce parliamentary rules, and maintain decorum will be tested in the coming months, especially as contentious bills on economic reforms, minority rights, and electoral processes are expected to be introduced.
Expert Views
Political analyst Prof. Suhas Palshikar said, “This election was less about the personalities and more about the optics. By fielding a Tamil leader, the NDA gains symbolic ground in the south. At the same time, the opposition’s inability to hold together raises doubts about their preparedness for the national stage.”
Former Lok Sabha Secretary-General P.D.T. Achary remarked, “The Vice President’s role is not ceremonial alone; as Rajya Sabha Chairperson, he can influence how the legislative agenda is managed. With Radhakrishnan in the chair, one can expect a firm but pro-government stance.”
Impact & Political Fallout
The cross-voting episode has become a point of contention, with opposition parties accusing the ruling BJP of “poaching” MPs. However, NDA leaders brushed off the allegations, saying the result only reflected “disillusionment” within the INDIA bloc.
For the BJP, the victory boosts morale ahead of upcoming state elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu. It also helps the party reinforce its strategy of highlighting leaders from southern states, a region where the BJP has historically struggled.
Conclusion
As C.P. Radhakrishnan prepares to take oath as the Vice President, his tenure will coincide with one of the most politically charged periods in recent years. With the opposition divided and the ruling alliance asserting its dominance, his role as Rajya Sabha Chairperson will carry both symbolic and practical weight. How effectively he manages this responsibility may shape the legislative climate leading into the 2026 general elections.
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