CP Radhakrishnan Elected as Vice President of India

 

A Warm Introduction

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy (C. P.) Radhakrishnan, a seasoned politician from Tamil Nadu and a veteran of India’s political landscape, has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India on September 9, 2025. Known for his calm demeanor and long service, Radhakrishnan now steps into a role of high ceremonial importance.

Who Is C. P. Radhakrishnan?

• Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan began his political career early, joining the RSS at age 16 and the Bharatiya Jan Sangh in 1974. 

• He served as Member of Parliament from Coimbatore for two consecutive terms (1998, 1999), and held important roles, including chairing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Textiles and participating in committees on finance and public sector undertakings. 

• A highlight of his career was representing India at the United Nations General Assembly in 2004. 

• From 2004 to 2007, he was State President of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, where he led a 19,000-km “Ratha Yatra,” advocating social reforms like river linking, uniform civil code, and anti-terrorism measures.

• In recent years, Radhakrishnan served in gubernatorial roles across India—as Governor of Jharkhand, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Governor of Telangana, and most recently, Governor of Maharashtra since July 2024. 

Why Was He Elected Vice President?

• The Vice President’s office became vacant when Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned in July due to health issues. 

• The Vice Presidential election, held on September 9, 2025, was contested between Radhakrishnan (NDA nominee) and Justice B. Sudershan Reddy (opposition INDIA bloc nominee). 

• Radhakrishnan won decisively with 452 first-preference votes, compared to Reddy’s 300 votes, showing a margin of 152—a clear majority.

• The election had a high voter turnout (over 96–98%) in Parliament, signifying strong engagement. His victory was expected, given the NDA’s solid majority in both Houses. 

• Radhakrishnan’s background as an OBC (Gounder—Goundar-Kongu Vellalar) leader adds to regional representation and reflects strategic diversity in politics.

• Known for his non-confrontational style and strong RSS roots, he is seen as a unifying figure and a fit for the largely ceremonial but important constitutional role. 

What This Means

• As Vice President, Radhakrishnan will act as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, presiding over debates, ensuring decorum, and stepping in as Acting President if needed. 

• His election underscores the NDA's continuing influence in top constitutional offices and reinforces its political strategy of inclusivity and regional outreach. 

• The opposition, while defeated, views the contest as symbolic of broader ideological differences and pledged to continue their efforts. 

Quick Overview

Topic	Details
Election Date	September 9, 2025
Votes Won	452 by Radhakrishnan vs. 300 for Sudershan Reddy
Significance	Strengthens NDA’s representation and enhances South Indian visibility in Central roles
Role Held	Chairperson of Rajya Sabha; Vice President of India

With a long career rooted in module-based professionalism, political outreach, and administrative leadership, C. P. Radhakrishnan’s election as Vice President symbolizes continuity, calm leadership, and regional representation at India’s highest levels. Let me know if you'd like a breakdown of his journey state-wise or more background on the Vice President's role in India!