On September 9, 2025, C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the 17th Vice-President of India with a comfortable margin of 152 votes. Representing the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), he secured 452 first preferential votes, while the opposition’s joint candidate, Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, received 300 votes. Out of the total 781 eligible electors in both Houses of Parliament, 767 cast their votes, with a turnout of 98.2%. Fifteen votes were declared invalid, and 14 MPs abstained from voting. The results were announced by Rajya Sabha Secretary General P.C. Mody, the Returning Officer for the election. 

Who is C.P. Radhakrishnan?

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, has lived a life rooted in discipline, simplicity, and service. The son of C.K. Ponnusamy and K. Janaki, Radhakrishnan’s formative years were influenced by traditional values and a strong sense of community responsibility. Academically, he pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, and was also a college-level table tennis champion, reflecting his early balance of academics and sports. His political journey began at the young age of 16 when he became associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. This early involvement gave him an ideological foundation that shaped his long career in politics.

A Long Career in Politics

Radhakrishnan has been a two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore, first elected in 1998 and again in 1999. He was also the President of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit from 2003 to 2006, where he worked to expand the party’s base in a state dominated by Dravidian parties. His reputation as a disciplined, soft-spoken yet firm leader earned him respect across party lines. Over the years, he has been entrusted with sensitive assignments and organizational responsibilities within the BJP.

Before being elected Vice-President, Radhakrishnan served as the Governor of Jharkhand (Feb 2023 – July 2024) and later as the Governor of Maharashtra (July 2024 – September 2025). As Governor, he emphasized good governance, transparency, and people-centric policies. His tenure was marked by close interaction with the public, students, and grassroots organizations, earning him recognition as an approachable leader who valued dialogue. Following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice-President, the BJP, under national president J.P. Nadda, announced Radhakrishnan’s candidature on August 17, 2025.

The Role of the Vice-President

The Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in the country, after the President. As per Article 66 of the Constitution, the Vice-President is elected indirectly by members of both Houses of Parliament through a system of proportional representation by single transferable vote. The Vice-President also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, playing a crucial role in maintaining order, ensuring fair debate, and upholding parliamentary decorum. Additionally, the Vice-President is the Chancellor of Panjab University, University of Delhi, and Pondicherry University, and the Visitor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication. The office-holder also serves as the President of the Indian Institute of Public Administration.

A Leader Who Rose from the Grassroots

Radhakrishnan’s story connects with ordinary Indians because of his grassroots journey. From being the son of a humble family in Tiruppur to becoming the second-highest constitutional authority of India, his path shows discipline, dedication, and perseverance. His association with the RSS and BJP since his teenage years highlights his long commitment to public service. At a time when India is striving to balance tradition and modernity, Radhakrishnan’s election brings a leader with deep ideological roots and administrative experience to a key constitutional office. As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he will play a crucial role in bridging gaps between ruling and opposition parties, ensuring smooth parliamentary proceedings. His track record as Governor shows his ability to listen and mediate, skills that are essential in presiding over a House often marked by heated debates. For Tamil Nadu and southern India, his elevation is also symbolic, reflecting the growing importance of regional representation in national politics.

A New Chapter in Indian Democracy

C.P. Radhakrishnan’s election as the 17th Vice-President of India is not just a political development; it is a continuation of his lifelong journey of service. As he assumes office, expectations will be high for him to ensure dignity, fairness, and inclusivity in Parliament. For millions of Indians, his story is a reminder that leadership is not just about power; it is about humility, service, and the ability to unite diverse voices under the shared banner of democracy.