TFP Bureau, New Delhi, August 19, 2025 – The stage is set for a high-profile contest in the upcoming Vice-Presidential election as the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition have announced their respective candidates. Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponsamy (CP) Radhakrishnan will be the NDA’s candidate, while the Opposition has fielded former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy.
The announcement of Radhakrishnan’s candidature was made by BJP National President JP Nadda in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the other hand, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge declared the name of Justice Reddy, who will officially file his nomination on August 21.
Election Schedule Finalised
According to the Election Commission’s schedule, the notification for the Vice-Presidential election was released on August 7. The last date for filing nominations is August 21, followed by scrutiny on August 22. Candidates will have the opportunity to withdraw nominations until August 25. Polling will be held on September 9 from 10 am to 5 pm, with counting scheduled for the same day.
A total of 788 members of Parliament — 543 elected MPs from Lok Sabha, 233 elected MPs from Rajya Sabha, and 12 nominated MPs of the Upper House — are eligible to cast their votes in the election.
CP Radhakrishnan: From RSS Volunteer to NDA’s Choice
Born on October 20, 1957, in Tamil Nadu, CP Radhakrishnan holds a degree in Business Administration. He began his public life as a volunteer of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) before formally entering politics with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1974.
Radhakrishnan rose steadily within the BJP, becoming Tamil Nadu BJP Secretary in 1996 and later serving as the party’s state president from 2004 to 2007. He was elected twice as Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore in 1998 and 1999.
In his administrative career, Radhakrishnan has held several gubernatorial posts. Apart from being the current Governor of Maharashtra, he has also served as Governor of Jharkhand and Telangana, as well as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy: Opposition’s Pick
Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, born on July 8, 1946, in Akula Mylaram village of present-day Telangana, comes from an agriculturist family. He pursued his early education in Hyderabad before obtaining a law degree from Osmania University in 1971. The same year, he enrolled as an advocate and joined the chambers of senior lawyer K. Pratap Reddy.
Over the years, Justice Reddy built a distinguished career in law, eventually being elevated to the Supreme Court of India. Known for his legal acumen and uprightness, he is now set to take on the NDA candidate in what is expected to be a keenly watched election.
A Contest of Governance vs. Judiciary Experience
With CP Radhakrishnan representing decades of political and administrative experience, and Justice Sudarshan Reddy bringing with him the credibility and stature of the judiciary, the Vice-Presidential election is shaping up to be a contest between governance and judicial expertise.
The outcome, however, will depend on the arithmetic of numbers in Parliament, where the NDA enjoys a clear majority. Political analysts suggest that while Radhakrishnan appears to be the frontrunner, Justice Reddy’s candidature adds weight and moral stature to the Opposition’s challenge.
The election on September 9 will decide who succeeds as the next Vice President of India, a role crucial not only as the constitutional deputy to the President but also as the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
