In a decisive electoral victory, the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee and current Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, was elected as the 15th Vice President of India. He secured a comprehensive majority with 452 first-preference votes, defeating the Opposition’s consensus candidate, former Supreme Court Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, who garnered 300 votes.
The election, which saw a high-stakes “South vs South” contest, underscores the ruling alliance’s numerical strength in Parliament while highlighting the symbolic significance of both candidates hailing from South India.
The Numbers Behind the Verdict
The electoral college for the Vice Presidential election consists of all elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), with a total strength of 781. The detailed breakdown of the polling was as follows:
- Total Electoral College Strength: 781 MPs
- Total Votes Cast: 767
- Valid Votes: 752
- Invalid Votes: 15
- NDA’s C.P. Radhakrishnan: 452 votes
- Opposition’s B. Sudershan Reddy: 300 votes
The margin of victory, with Shri Radhakrishnan securing well over 60% of the valid votes, reflects the NDA’s consolidated support among parliamentarians.
A Day of Democratic Exercise
Polling commenced at 10 AM in Parliament House, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the first to cast his vote. The day saw a steady stream of parliamentarians, including Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Kiren Rijiju, alongside figures from across the political spectrum like SP’s Ram Gopal Yadav and BJP’s Kangana Ranaut.
A unique feature of this election is that MPs are not bound by any party whip and vote through a secret ballot. This system allows for a conscience vote, making the decisive win a significant indicator of the NDA’s reach.
In a notable show of unity, the Opposition bloc managed an unprecedented 100% turnout, with all 315 of its MPs present to vote for their candidate.
The Contenders: A Study in Contrast
The election presented a clear choice between two distinguished individuals from South India, each with a vastly different professional background.
- Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan: A seasoned politician and former Member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, Shri Radhakrishnan has a long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP. His extensive administrative experience, currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, positioned him as the NDA’s candidate of governance and political acumen.
- Justice B. Sudershan Reddy: A former judge of the Supreme Court of India from Telangana, Justice Reddy was projected by the 26-party Opposition INDIA bloc as an eminent jurist who would uphold the Constitution and ensure impartiality as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
The Significance and the Road Ahead
The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, a role that requires immense patience, neutrality, and a deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and the Constitution. The Chairman is responsible for managing the proceedings of the House, often amidst heated debates and frequent disruptions.
Shri Radhakrishnan’s election fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar in July 2025, whose term was originally set to last until 2027. His victory further consolidates the NDA’s hold on key constitutional positions in the country.
As he prepares to assume the role of the nation’s second-highest constitutional office, all eyes will be on Shri Radhakrishnan to steer the Upper House with fairness and fortitude, ensuring it remains a robust pillar of Indian democracy.
