NDA-backed CP Radhakrishnan elected as India’s next vice president

CP Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance’s candidate, was elected Vice President of India on Sep 9 after securing a comfortable victory in the parliamentary poll.

He received 452 first-preference votes, defeating opposition nominee and retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy, who polled 300. Out of 754 votes cast, 15 were declared invalid.

The election was held following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in July due to health reasons. As Vice President, Radhakrishnan will serve as the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha and act as interim President should a vacancy arise.

His nomination was announced in mid-August at a BJP Parliamentary Board meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president JP Nadda.

Modi described Radhakrishnan as dedicated and humble, praising his long record of public service. NDA allies, including JD(U), TDP, LJP, RJD and Jana Sena, also extended support, reflecting the alliance’s cohesion.

Reports of cross-voting by some opposition members raised fresh questions about the unity of the INDIA bloc. Despite this, Reddy managed to secure significant backing, though far short of the winning tally.

After his victory, Radhakrishnan described the result as a triumph of “nationalistic ideology” and pledged to work for the nation’s development.

Leaders from the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, including Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar and Piyush Goyal, congratulated him and praised his discipline and commitment to democratic values.

After his victory, Radhakrishnan described the result as a “triumph of nationalistic ideology” and pledged to work for the nation’s development.

A veteran politician from Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan has earlier served as the Governor of Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Known as “Ajatshatru” for his ability to maintain cordial ties across party lines, he becomes the third person from Tamil Nadu to hold the vice presidency.