Summary
CP Radhakrishnan Victory in the 2025 Vice Presidential election marks a historic and defining moment in Indian politics, underscoring the growing strength and strategic acumen of the NDA alliance. Backed by powerful political support, CP Radhakrishnan, a seasoned BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, secured a decisive win with 452 first-preference votes, leaving behind Opposition candidate Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, who managed to secure only 300 votes.
This significant triumph elevates Radhakrishnan to India’s second-highest Constitutional office, placing him at the helm of the Rajya Sabha as its Chairman and positioning him as a key figure in shaping the country’s Parliamentary discourse. Beyond the numbers, the election result exposes the deep fractures within the Opposition camp, as cross-voting by at least 14 MPs from rival parties tilted the scales even further in the NDA’s favor.
For the ruling alliance, this victory symbolizes not just political dominance but also meticulous strategy and unity ahead of crucial state elections. For the Opposition, however, it serves as a wake-up call, revealing coordination lapses and loyalty concerns among its ranks. As CP Radhakrishnan prepares to take on his new role, expectations are high that he will uphold the dignity, impartiality, and democratic traditions associated with the Vice President’s office while navigating the evolving political landscape of India.
Election Results at a Glance
Out of 754 votes cast in the Vice Presidential election, 15 were declared invalid. Among the valid votes, CP Radhakrishnan received 452 votes, while Justice Reddy secured 300. The winning margin stood at 150 votes – significantly lower than the record margin achieved in 2022 when Jagdeep Dhankhar defeated Margaret Alva with a lead of 346 votes.
This relatively narrow margin underscores the crucial role of cross-voting in the NDA’s success. With the NDA holding 427 confirmed votes and YSR Congress lending 11, their tally should have capped at 438. Yet, Radhakrishnan ended up with 452 votes, indicating that at least 14 Opposition MPs defied party lines.
Cross-Voting Raises Questions
The cross-voting trend quickly became a talking point across political circles. While Congress insisted that its 315 MPs stood united, the Opposition candidate ended with just 300 votes, raising doubts about loyalty within the ranks. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey mocked the Opposition on X (formerly Twitter), quipping, “Which 15 people ran away and voted for us?”
The invalidation of 15 ballots added further intrigue. Political analysts suggest that these votes might have belonged to Opposition MPs, pointing to poor coordination and cracks in strategy.
Who is CP Radhakrishnan?
CP Radhakrishnan, 68, is a seasoned BJP leader from Tamil Nadu with decades of experience in public life. Known for his genial personality and bipartisan friendships, he has built a reputation as a consensus-builder.
- Parliamentary Journey: Twice elected as Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore.
- BJP Leadership: Served as the Tamil Nadu BJP state president.
- Governor Roles: Held charge as Governor of Jharkhand (2023–2024), with additional responsibility as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
By fielding Radhakrishnan, the BJP not only ensured a credible candidate but also strategically aimed at widening cracks within the Opposition, particularly ahead of state elections in Tamil Nadu.
Congress Reaction
Despite the defeat, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended his congratulations to Radhakrishnan. In a statement, he emphasized that the Vice President’s role must remain independent and uphold democratic values:
“We hope the new Vice President-elect will uphold the highest ethos of Parliamentary traditions, ensuring equal space and dignity for the Opposition, and not succumb to pressures of the ruling dispensation.”
Kharge further stressed that the Vice President’s office should symbolize fairness, independence, and the safeguarding of democratic principles.
What This Means for Indian Politics
The Vice President of India, who also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, plays a critical role in maintaining Parliamentary balance. With Radhakrishnan stepping into this position, the NDA not only strengthens its influence but also sends a strong message ahead of upcoming state polls.
The outcome also exposes vulnerabilities within the INDIA bloc, where cross-voting and poor coordination are becoming recurring challenges. This victory will likely energize NDA leaders as they gear up for a packed electoral calendar.
CP Radhakrishnan’s election as India’s Vice President
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Election Date | 2025 |
| Winner | CP Radhakrishnan |
| Political Alliance | NDA (National Democratic Alliance) |
| Total Votes Cast | 754 |
| Valid Votes | 739 |
| Invalid Votes | 15 |
| Votes Secured by CP Radhakrishnan | 452 |
| Votes Secured by Justice B. Reddy | 300 |
| Winning Margin | 150 votes |
| Cross-Voting Indication | At least 14 Opposition MPs voted for NDA candidate |
| Previous Vice President | Jagdeep Dhankhar |
| Opposition Candidate | Justice B. Sudershan Reddy |
| NDA’s Expected Votes | 438 |
| Actual Votes for NDA Candidate | 452 |
| Role of Vice President | Chairman of Rajya Sabha & India’s 2nd Highest Constitutional Office |
| Key Message for Opposition | Cross-voting and coordination issues need urgent attention |
Conclusion
The election of CP Radhakrishnan as India’s Vice President marks a powerful moment for the NDA and a wake-up call for the Opposition. With his reputation as a cooperative and affable leader, Radhakrishnan now carries the responsibility of ensuring that India’s Parliamentary traditions remain strong, democratic, and inclusive. His victory, powered by cross-voting and political strategy, highlights the shifting dynamics of Indian politics – dynamics that will only intensify in the run-up to the next general election.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who has been elected as India’s next Vice President in 2025?
CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA-backed candidate and current Governor of Maharashtra, has been elected as India’s next Vice President.
Q2. How many votes did CP Radhakrishnan secure in the Vice Presidential election?
He received 452 first preference votes, while Opposition candidate Justice B. Sudershan Reddy secured 300 votes.
Q3. What was the total number of votes cast in the election?
A total of 754 votes were cast, out of which 15 were declared invalid by the Returning Officer PV Mody.
Q4. What was the winning margin in this Vice Presidential election?
CP Radhakrishnan won by a margin of 150 votes, one of the lowest margins in recent Vice Presidential elections.
Q5. Was there cross-voting in this election?
Yes, the results indicate significant cross-voting. Although the NDA and its allies had 438 votes, Radhakrishnan ended up with 452, suggesting support from at least 14 Opposition MPs.
Q6. Who is CP Radhakrishnan?
He is a veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, a two-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore, and a former BJP state president. He also served as Governor of Jharkhand, with additional charges as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
Q7. What did the Congress say after the results?
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated Radhakrishnan but urged him to uphold democratic values, ensure fairness, and protect Parliamentary traditions without yielding to ruling party pressure.
Q8. Who did CP Radhakrishnan succeed as Vice President of India?
He will succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar, who held the position since 2022.
Q9. Why is this election result significant for Indian politics?
The outcome highlights NDA’s political strength and exposes fissures in the Opposition camp due to cross-voting. It also gives the ruling alliance a stronger hold in the Rajya Sabha, where the Vice President serves as Chairman.