TFP Bureau, New Delhi/Raipur, September 9, 2025: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India. In the Vice Presidential elections, he secured 452 votes, defeating opposition INDIA bloc candidate Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, who polled 300 votes. Out of 767 Members of Parliament who voted, 15 votes were declared invalid. With this victory, the NDA has strengthened its presence in the country’s highest constitutional offices.
Radhakrishnan, a two-time Member of Parliament and former Governor of Jharkhand and Maharashtra, now assumes the second-highest constitutional position in the Republic. Alongside his role as Vice President, he will also serve as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, shouldering the responsibility of ensuring smooth conduct of proceedings in the Upper House.
A Political Journey from Grassroots to National Leadership
Born in Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu, CP Radhakrishnan entered public life early, joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 17. His active political journey began in the BJP, where he made a mark by winning the 1998 Lok Sabha election from Coimbatore, a seat considered difficult for the party in the aftermath of the Coimbatore bomb blasts. He was re-elected in 1999, further cementing his standing as a strong BJP leader in Tamil Nadu.
From 2004 to 2007, he served as the Tamil Nadu BJP president, working to strengthen the party’s organizational structure in the state. He also held the position of BJP national executive member and was actively involved in key policy and strategy discussions at the party’s central level. In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he contested again from Coimbatore, garnering significant support and over 3.89 lakh votes in 2014, where he emerged as the runner-up.
Administrative and Governance Contributions
Radhakrishnan’s contributions extended beyond politics into governance and administration. As Chairman of the Coir Board under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (2016–2020), he spearheaded reforms to modernize the coir industry and boost exports. His tenure as Governor of Jharkhand (2023) was marked by initiatives for tribal welfare, education, and community empowerment. Later, in February 2024, he was appointed the 24th Governor of Maharashtra, where he maintained cooperative relations with the state government while promoting constructive dialogue with opposition leaders. His reputation as a consensus-builder and administrator has been widely acknowledged.
National Leaders Extend Congratulations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate Radhakrishnan on his victory. Meeting him after the results, PM Modi shared a message on X, stating: “Met Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji and congratulated him on winning the Vice Presidential election.” The Prime Minister emphasized Radhakrishnan’s long-standing commitment to public service and expressed confidence that his leadership would strengthen parliamentary functioning and uphold the values of democracy.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also conveyed his best wishes, describing Radhakrishnan as an “influential leader and able administrator who has risen from grassroots society to one of the highest constitutional offices.” CM Sai highlighted his visionary leadership, dedication to uplifting marginalized communities, and unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and development. “His journey is an inspiring example of democratic values and his role as Vice President will further strengthen social harmony and national progress,” Sai said, extending the wishes of the people of Chhattisgarh.
Significance of the Victory
At 67, CP Radhakrishnan brings decades of political and administrative experience to his new role. Analysts believe his ability to combine organizational skills with governance experience will help in addressing challenges in the Rajya Sabha and ensure effective debate and legislation. His election is seen as a major success for the NDA, while the defeat has dealt a setback to the opposition INDIA bloc.
As he prepares to take the oath of office, expectations are high that Vice President Radhakrishnan will play a pivotal role in maintaining parliamentary decorum, fostering dialogue across party lines, and upholding the democratic traditions of India. His journey from a small town in Tamil Nadu to the nation’s Vice Presidency stands as a testimony to perseverance, public service, and faith in democratic institutions.
