New Delhi: In a closely-watched election, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee, was elected as the 15th Vice President of India on Tuesday. Radhakrishnan, who was serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, secured a decisive victory over the joint opposition’s candidate, Justice (retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy.
The election, held to fill the vacancy created by the sudden resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, saw Radhakrishnan garner 452 first-preference votes. His opponent, Justice Reddy, received 300 votes, while 15 votes were declared invalid. The results were announced by Rajya Sabha Secretary-General and Returning Officer P.C. Mody.
With a long and distinguished career in public life, including serving as a two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore and holding gubernatorial roles in Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and Maharashtra, Radhakrishnan brings a wealth of experience to the nation’s second-highest constitutional office.
In a statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Vice President-elect, expressing confidence that his experience and commitment to serving the marginalized would strengthen India’s constitutional values and parliamentary discourse. President Droupadi Murmu also extended her best wishes, highlighting Radhakrishnan’s decades of public service and his potential to contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.
Leaders from the opposition, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, also offered their congratulations while urging the new Vice President to uphold the highest traditions of parliamentary democracy and ensure a fair and dignified space for the opposition.
Shri Radhakrishnan, known for his deep roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is set to assume office and will also serve as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.