C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra and nominee of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), was elected the 17th Vice President of India on September 9, 2025. He won with 452 first-preference votes against Opposition candidate Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, who secured 300. Out of 781 eligible MPs, 767 cast their ballots. Fifteen votes were invalid and 14 MPs abstained.
How His Name Emerged
Radhakrishnan’s candidature was finalized after detailed consultations within the BJP, its allies, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His nomination was also seen as part of the BJP’s strategy to expand its influence in southern India, particularly Tamil Nadu. At 68, he is considered an “excellent choice” within the party, admired for his ability to maintain friendly ties across political lines, earning him the nickname “Vajpayee of Coimbatore.”
Cross-Voting and Political Undercurrents
The NDA’s strength stood at 439, yet Radhakrishnan polled 452 votes, reflecting cross-voting from Opposition ranks. While BJP leaders called it a sign of wider acceptance, the Opposition described the outcome as a “moral victory.” They pointed out that their joint candidate secured 40% of the vote, compared to 26% in the 2022 Vice Presidential election.
Opposition Response
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated Radhakrishnan but also praised Justice Reddy for what he called a principled fight. He reminded that the election was necessitated by the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in July, which he described as “unexplained and unceremonious.”
Justice Reddy, conceding gracefully, said democracy is strengthened not only by victory but also by dialogue and dissent, pledging continued commitment to constitutional ideals.
BJP’s Counterclaims
BJP leaders claimed at least 15 Opposition MPs had backed Radhakrishnan, with some suggesting the number could be closer to 40, including invalid votes. Congress countered this by highlighting their improved performance and arguing that the ruling alliance’s numerical win amounted to a “moral and political defeat.”
High Turnout Despite Challenges
The election saw MPs of all ages and health conditions turn up to vote. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda cast his ballot in a wheelchair at the age of 92. Two ailing Trinamool MPs—Sudip Bandhopadhyay and Saugata Roy—also voted. From Kashmir, Engineer Rashid was escorted from Tihar jail to Parliament to exercise his franchise. Amritpal Singh, the jailed MP from Punjab, abstained by returning his postal ballot.
Who is C.P. Radhakrishnan?
- Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, he belongs to the Gounder caste, an OBC community. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
- He has been associated with the RSS since his youth and was part of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh’s State Executive Committee. Later, he became BJP’s Tamil Nadu president (2004–2007).
- Twice elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in 1998 and 1999, he narrowly missed Cabinet berths both under Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000 and Narendra Modi in 2014.
- He was sworn in as the Governor of Maharashtra in July 2024 after serving as Governor of Jharkhand, where he had some run-ins with the JMM government.
- Outside politics, he was a college athlete, excelling in table tennis and long-distance running.
What Comes Next
Radhakrishnan has kept a low profile since his election, limiting his remarks to thanking President Droupadi Murmu. His reputation as a consensus-builder and his roots in Tamil Nadu will be closely watched as he takes on the role of Vice President, a position that will test his ability to navigate a politically divided Parliament.
