CP Radhakrishnan Elected as India’s New Vice President in Decisive Victory

NDA Candidate Secures Clear Parliamentary Majority

NDA nominee and Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan emerged victorious in India’s Vice Presidential election, defeating INDIA bloc candidate B Sudershan Reddy with a decisive margin. Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes out of 752 valid votes cast, establishing himself as the country’s 15th Vice President.

The election took place at Parliament House through secret ballot between 10 AM and 5 PM, with vote counting beginning at 6 PM. Out of 767 total votes cast, 752 were deemed valid while 15 were declared invalid. The Election Commission appointed a Returning Officer on rotational basis to oversee the transparent electoral process.

Electoral Mathematics Favored NDA from Start

The numbers strongly supported Radhakrishnan’s candidacy from the outset. The Vice Presidential electoral college comprises 788 members, including 233 elected Rajya Sabha members, 12 nominated members, and 543 Lok Sabha members, though only 781 MPs were eligible to vote due to vacant seats.

The NDA coalition commanded approximately 439 MPs’ support, further strengthened by backing from the YSR Congress Party. The BJD and BRS parties’ decision to abstain from voting created an even smoother path to victory for the NDA candidate.

This election was necessitated after incumbent Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down in July citing health concerns. As Vice President, Radhakrishnan will chair the Rajya Sabha and serve as Acting President when required, marking a significant constitutional transition in India’s political landscape.