New Delhi, Sep 10: Maharashtra Governor and NDA candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice-President of India on Tuesday, Sep 9. He defeated the opposition bloc’s candidate B Sudershan Reddy, a retired Supreme Court Judge by a big margin of 152 votes. The oath taking ceremony will be held on September 12.
According to Rajya Sabha General Secretary PC Mody, a total of 767 votes were polled, out of which 752 were found valid and 15 were invalid. The quota to decide the winner was set as 377. The NDA’s nominee got 452 votes, while the INDIA bloc’s candidate got 300 votes in his favour.
“Congratulations to Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji on winning the 2025 Vice Presidential election. His life has always been devoted to serving society and empowering the poor and marginalised. I am confident that he will be an outstanding VP, who will strengthen our Constitutional values and enhance Parliamentary discourse,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, minutes after the results were announced.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge extended his wishes to Mr. Radhakrishnan, while also thanking Justice Reddy for putting up a “spirited and principled fight” on behalf of the Opposition. Calling it an ideological battle, he said, “We hope the new Vice President-elect will uphold the highest ethos of Parliamentary traditions, ensuring equal space and dignity for the Opposition, and not succumb to pressures of the ruling dispensation.”
Cross Voting:
The voting figures also made it clear that there has been considerable cross-voting presumable from the Opposition MP’s. At least 15 MP’s from the opposition bloc have been expected to have voted for the NDA candidate.
The NDA had 427 votes and YSR congress, which was supporting it, had 11 MP’s. Accordingly, the NDA votes should have been capped at 438 but CP Radhakrishnan got 452 votes – 14 votes more.
The cancellation of 15 votes also raises eyebrows about the Opposition votes. While the Opposition bloc claimed that it had 315 votes, B Sudershan Reddy got only 300 votes.
About CP Radhakrishnan
CP Radhakrishnan, a veteran BJP leader was previously elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore twice and had also previously served as the Tamil Nadu BJP Chief. He also previously served as the Governor of Jharkhand. He was also additionally charged as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutanant Governor of Puducherry.
The 68- year old also has links with the BJP’s ideological mentor, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP’s predecessor Jan Sangh from a very young Age.
Mr. Radhakrishnan, an influential leader of the BJP in Tamil Nadu was chosen keeping in view the BJP’s expansion plans in the South- an area where barring Karnataka, the BJP has been unable to find a foothold.
