C.P. Radhakrishnan has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India with 452 votes. Leaders including President Murmu, PM Modi, Amit Shah, and Chandrababu Naidu congratulated him, highlighting his grassroots journey, democratic values, and decades of public service.
C.P. Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate, has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India, securing a decisive mandate with 452 votes against the opposition’s candidate, Justice (Retd.) B. Sudarshan Reddy, who garnered 300 votes. His election marks another significant chapter in India’s democratic journey, reflecting both the NDA’s strong parliamentary majority and the coalition’s unity.
Overwhelming Support from Top Leadership
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several other senior leaders congratulated Radhakrishnan on his victory.
President Murmu, in her congratulatory message, expressed confidence that Radhakrishnan’s decades of public service would significantly contribute to the nation’s progress. “Your decades of rich experience in public life will contribute significantly to the nation’s progress. I extend my best wishes to you for a successful and impactful tenure,” she said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted Radhakrishnan’s lifelong dedication to public service and the upliftment of the marginalised. “His life has always been devoted to serving society. I am confident he will be an outstanding VP, who will strengthen our Constitutional values and enhance Parliamentary discourse,” the PM noted.
Home Minister Amit Shah praised Radhakrishnan’s grassroots journey and administrative insight. “Your sagacity as a leader who has risen from the grassroots and profound knowledge about administration will help us bring out the best in our parliamentary democracy,” Shah remarked.
Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Ram Mohan Naidu also underscored his democratic values and commitment to enriching India’s global voice.
Leaders from Maharashtra Celebrate His Victory
As the sitting Governor of Maharashtra before his election, Radhakrishnan received warm wishes from leaders across the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded his life of service and commitment to national interest, while Deputy CM Eknath Shinde emphasised the remarkable impact Radhakrishnan left during his brief gubernatorial tenure.
Shinde described him as a disciplined leader with deep social roots and extensive political experience. “He has demonstrated through his career that the river of development must reach the common people,” Shinde stated, adding that the NDA had set an example by nominating such a candidate.
Maharashtra’s political spectrum also echoed praise. NCP leader Praful Patel called Radhakrishnan’s win a boost to democracy, while Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said his leadership would bring “fresh perspectives to parliamentary discussions.” Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe highlighted his dedication to strengthening India’s constitutional framework.
Congratulations Pour in from Andhra Pradesh and Beyond
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu congratulated Radhakrishnan on
behalf of the TDP, extending best wishes for a “successful, fulfilling, and distinguished tenure.” Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu praised Radhakrishnan as an epitome of discipline and integrity, reflecting on his journey from Tamil Nadu to the nation’s second-highest constitutional office.
Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, along with BJP Telangana unit chief Ramchander Rao, also hailed his election, stressing his humility, democratic spirit, and rich administrative experience.
Election Day: A High Turnout and a Clear Mandate
The Vice Presidential election, held on September 9, witnessed brisk polling with 96% turnout. Out of 767 votes polled, 752 were valid. Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes, comfortably surpassing the required quota of 377. The INDIA bloc candidate, Justice Sudarshan Reddy, received 300 votes.
Notably, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and jailed MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid were among those who cast their votes. Thirteen MPs from regional parties, including the BJD, BRS, and SAD, abstained from voting, citing state-level priorities.
The strong NDA tally reflected Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on discipline and coordination, with every party member meticulously briefed on the voting process.
The Road Ahead
Radhakrishnan will be sworn in as Vice President and ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha in a ceremony attended by the President, MPs, and constitutional dignitaries. His five-year tenure will run until 2030.
As Vice President, he will not only preside over the Upper House but also hold the constitutional responsibility of acting as President in case of a vacancy in that office. His victory is being seen as a reaffirmation of grassroots leadership, constitutional values, and the NDA’s stronghold in Parliament.
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From Tamil Nadu to Maharashtra and now to the nation’s second-highest constitutional post, Radhakrishnan’s journey represents a blend of humility, service, and democratic resilience. His election signals continuity in India’s parliamentary traditions while raising expectations of stronger constitutional guardianship in the years ahead.
