In a significant development that sent ripples across the Indian political landscape, National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President of India. The election outcome, announced on Tuesday, saw Radhakrishnan secure a comfortable victory with 452 first-preference votes, surpassing the required 391 votes. His opponent, Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy, the candidate representing the united INDIA bloc, received 300 votes, highlighting the cracks in opposition unity.
A veteran BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) affiliate, Radhakrishnan brings with him decades of political and administrative experience, having previously served as governor of Maharashtra and Jharkhand and as a two-time Lok Sabha member from Coimbatore. Known for his soft-spoken and conciliatory demeanor, Radhakrishnan is expected to play a pivotal role as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, presiding over the Upper House with calm and grace.
Radhakrishnan’s election also represents a strategic political milestone for the NDA. His belonging to the Gounder caste, an influential Other Backward Classes (OBC) community in Tamil Nadu, is seen as a move to strengthen the NDA’s foothold in southern India ahead of key state elections. Furthermore, he is only the third leader from Tamil Nadu to assume the Vice Presidency, emphasizing the growing regional diversity in India’s top constitutional posts.
The Vice President of India does not draw a salary for the position itself, but receives Rs 4 lakh per month as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Radhakrishnan’s tenure began amid high expectations, following the unexpected resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar earlier this year.
As the Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson, Radhakrishnan faces the task of guiding parliamentary proceedings during challenging times marked by political polarization. His seasoned background and moderate approach are viewed as assets that can help foster dialogue and decorum in the Upper House.
In essence, CP Radhakrishnan’s elevation to the Vice Presidency not only signals a fresh phase in Indian politics but also underscores the NDA’s strategic vision for inclusive representation and parliamentary stability.
