The office of the Vice President of India holds significant constitutional importance, presiding over the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of Parliament) and acting as the second-highest formal office in the country. In 2025, after a sudden vacancy and an early election, the nation witnessed political strategy, constitutional protocols, and party dynamics all come into play in the selection of its next Vice President.
This article covers what led to the 2025 Vice Presidential election, who emerged victorious, the margin and significance of the win, and what the new officeholder brings in terms of experience and roles.
Background & Why the 2025 Election Happened
Jagdeep Dhankhar, who was serving as the Vice President, resigned in July 2025 citing health concerns. His early departure triggered a constitutionally mandated Vice Presidential election under Article 67 and related rules. The election was scheduled promptly to ensure that the office was not left vacant for long, as the Vice President also functions as the Chair of the Rajya Sabha and may need to act as President if that office is vacant.
On 1st August 2025, the Election Commission issued the notification for the election, setting 9th September as the date for polling and counting. Elections in India for Vice President are indirect — members of both Houses of Parliament vote via secret ballot and proportional representation. In this poll, there were 781 electors, of which 767 voted.
The Election: Candidates & Voting Results
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominated **C. P. Radhakrishnan**, the then-Governor of Maharashtra, as its candidate. The opposition, the INDIA bloc, put forward **B. Sudarshan Reddy**, a former Supreme Court judge. Both had long public service records, but with very different political backgrounds.
On counting, Radhakrishnan won by 452 votes against Reddy’s 300. Fifteen votes were declared invalid. The voter turnout was very high — over 98%. The margin of 152 votes is notable in recent Vice Presidential contests, reflecting a strong show of support for the NDA in Parliament. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Profile of C.P. Radhakrishnan
Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, born in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu on 20 October 1957, has held several significant political and administrative roles. Prior to becoming Vice President elect, he was Governor of Maharashtra (since mid-2024), and before that held additional governor charges in Jharkhand, Telangana, and Puducherry. He has also been a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) representing Coimbatore and worked in the BJP’s organizational structure in Tamil Nadu.
Radhakrishnan’s background with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his clean public persona, non-confrontational style, and reputation for integrity were repeatedly highlighted during the campaign. His term as Vice President will also include presiding over the Rajya Sabha, ensuring smooth functioning of the Upper House, and upholding parliamentary decorum. Given his administrative experience as governor, many expect him to bring stability and procedural focus.
Implications & Significance
This election is significant not just for who won but for what it indicates about the balance of power in Parliament. The NDA’s ability to secure a decisive win suggests that opposition bloc cohesion was not strong enough to challenge the ruling coalition. The high turnout and invalid votes also point to the intensity and scrutiny around the election.
Moreover, Radhakrishnan’s win underlines the importance of ceremonial but constitutionally critical roles. While the Vice President does not wield executive authority like the Prime Minister, the role in legislation, as Rajya Sabha chair and acting President if needed, makes it pivotal in moments of constitutional stress. Observers will be watching how he uses the platform to influence parliamentary debates and maintain checks on legislative workflow.
Verdict
C. P. Radhakrishnan’s elevation to Vice President in 2025 is likely to reinforce NDA’s grip on parliamentary procedures and legislative oversight. His experience, reputation, and political alignment make him a fitting candidate for the moment — able to balance the ceremonial expectations with the procedural duties the role demands.
For India at large, the election underscores stability in governance but also signals how constitutional offices continue to be arenas of political strategy. While the Vice President’s powers are limited by the constitution, in times of polarized politics, the occupant of the office can become a crucial figure in maintaining parliamentary norms and providing leadership beyond simply presiding over sessions.
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About the Author:
Sudesh Satpute
