Election outcome
CP Radhakrishnan becomes India’s new Vice President: On September 9, 2025, CP Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President of India. He defeated opposition nominee B Sudershan Reddy, a senior advocate and former Supreme Court judge.
The election saw a remarkable 98.20% turnout, with 767 out of 781 MPs casting their votes. Radhakrishnan secured 452 first preference votes, while Justice Reddy got 300 votes. Fifteen votes were declared invalid.
Static GK fact: The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Significance of the victory
The NDA’s strong majority in Parliament ensured a decisive margin of 152 votes. The scale of the win also indicated cross-voting within opposition ranks. This result reinforced the NDA’s unity and exposed the INDIA bloc’s internal challenges.
Abstentions by parties like the BJD, BRS, and SAD highlighted the complexities of coalition politics. The outcome signals strategic positioning ahead of the next general election.
Background of the vacancy
The Vice Presidential post fell vacant on July 21, 2025, after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned due to health concerns. Conducting the election early upheld constitutional continuity and ensured smooth functioning of Parliament.
Static GK Tip: The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, using a single transferable vote system.
Profile of CP Radhakrishnan
Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan has been closely associated with the RSS and the BJP. He was elected Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore in 1998 and 1999.
He also served as Tamil Nadu BJP president, chaired the Coir Board (2016–2020), and acted as BJP’s Kerala in-charge (2020–2022). In the gubernatorial sphere, he led Jharkhand, held charge of Telangana and Puducherry, and became Governor of Maharashtra in 2024.
Static GK fact: The Coir Board is a statutory body established in 1953 under the Coir Industry Act, headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.
Broader contributions
Radhakrishnan is also known for his involvement in sports like table tennis, cricket, and volleyball. He has represented India in international delegations across Asia, Europe, and North America.
His career demonstrates a blend of political loyalty and administrative efficiency, making him well suited for the Vice President’s constitutional role, especially as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Why this election matters
This election ensures stability at the top parliamentary level, strengthens NDA’s legislative position, and provides India with a leader experienced in both governance and diplomacy. It also sets the tone for the evolving political balance before the general elections.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
CP Radhakrishnan becomes India’s new Vice President:
| Topic | Detail |
| Election Date | September 9, 2025 |
| Winner | CP Radhakrishnan |
| Position | 15th Vice President of India |
| Runner-up | Justice B Sudershan Reddy |
| Votes secured | 452 (Radhakrishnan), 300 (Reddy) |
| Invalid votes | 15 |
| Total turnout | 98.20% (767 out of 781 MPs) |
| Vacancy reason | Resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar due to health |
| Party support | NDA majority with cross-voting from opposition |
| Constitutional role | Vice President is ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha |
