CP Radhakrishnan Elected India’s 15th Vice President With 452 Votes

National Democratic Alliance nominee and Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan was today elected as the 15th Vice President of India, defeating Opposition candidate Justice (retd) B. Sudershan Reddy with a tally of 452 first-preference votes against 300, according to Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody. 

Radhakrishnan, 67, becomes the third leader from Tamil Nadu to hold the office, succeeding Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned in July citing health reasons.

Image Source: PM NaMo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast the first ballot as more than 700 MPs voted in the election. While the ruling alliance framed Radhakrishnan’s grassroots rise and long association with public life as strengthening the “sanctity of the Upper House” -- a phrase used by Home Minister Amit Shah in his message of congratulations -- the Opposition cast the result as a battle of ideologies.

Congratulations to Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on being elected as the Vice President of India! Your decades of rich experience in public life will contribute significantly to the nation’s progress. I extend my best wishes to you for a successful and impactful tenure.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 9, 2025

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he hoped the new Vice President would “ensure equal space and dignity for the Opposition” and not “succumb to pressures of the ruling dispensation.” 

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh underlined that the INDIA bloc had put up its “most respectable” performance in a vice-presidential election, securing 40 percent of the vote compared to 26 percent in 2022.

My heartiest congratulations to Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan Ji on being elected as the Vice President of India. I am confident that his long experience in public life and his commitment to the nation will guide him in serving the country with dedication and wisdom. pic.twitter.com/8gmajU3NU8

— Ram Nath Kovind (@ramnathkovind) September 9, 2025

Justice Reddy, conceding defeat, said he accepted the outcome with “abiding faith” in India’s democratic processes but vowed that the “ideological battle continues with greater vigour.”

Congratulations to Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji on winning the 2025 Vice Presidential election. His life has always been devoted to serving society and empowering the poor and marginalised. I am confident that he will be an outstanding VP, who will strengthen our Constitutional…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2025

The Vice President, who is also the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, will take oath later this month.