In a significant political development, CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA’s candidate, has been elected as the new Vice President of India, defeating Opposition nominee Justice B Sudershan Reddy in the vice-presidential elections held on Tuesday.
According to Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody, Radhakrishnan secured 452 first preference votes, comfortably crossing the required majority of 377 votes, while Sudershan Reddy received 300 votes. A total of 13 MPs abstained from voting.
The Voting and Results
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Total members in Parliament: 781 (with vacancies in both houses)
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Votes required to win: 377
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CP Radhakrishnan (NDA): 452 first preference votes
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B Sudershan Reddy (Opposition): 300 first preference votes
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Abstentions: 13 MPs (including from BJD, BRS, SAD and one Independent)
The election process began at 10 AM and concluded by 5 PM, with counting starting at 6 PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast the first vote, followed by Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, and Kiren Rijiju among others.
Reactions from Leaders
Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the newly elected Vice President:
“Congratulations to Shri CP Radhakrishnan Ji on being elected as the Vice President of India. I firmly believe that your sagacity as a leader who has risen from the grassroots and your profound knowledge about administration will strengthen our parliamentary democracy and serve the marginalised.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Radhakrishnan’s rich political and administrative experience, stating:
“Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has rich experience as MP and Governor of various states. His Parliamentary interventions were always incisive. During his gubernatorial tenures, he focused on addressing challenges faced by common citizens. These experiences ensure that he has vast knowledge of legislative and Constitutional matters. I am confident he will be an inspiring Vice President.”
Who is CP Radhakrishnan?
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A seasoned leader from Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan is described as soft-spoken and non-confrontational.
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He served as the Governor of Maharashtra before being nominated for the vice-presidential elections.
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Twice elected as a Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, he was once considered for a Union Ministerial berth but lost out due to a name mix-up with fellow leader Pon Radhakrishnan.
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Seen as an untainted and experienced politician, he brings decades of parliamentary and administrative knowledge to his new role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Radhakrishnan’s election comes nearly two months after former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from office on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons.
With his elevation, the NDA further consolidates its hold on key constitutional positions, and CP Radhakrishnan steps into the role as the custodian of the Rajya Sabha, expected to bring balance, experience, and inclusivity to India’s upper house of Parliament.
