Inauguration at Rashtrapati Bhavan
On 12 September 2025, Chandrapuram Ponnusamy (C. P.) Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice-President of India, in a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu.
Election Outcome and Vote Margin
Radhakrishnan secured election as Vice-President on 9 September 2025, obtaining 452 votes to defeat the INDIA bloc’s candidate, B. Sudershan Reddy, who garnered 300 votes, resulting in a margin of 152 votes. The electoral college comprised members of both Houses of Parliament, under the requirements of the Constitution.
Dual Role: Chairman of Rajya Sabha
With his assumption of the Vice-Presidency, Radhakrishnan also took on the role of Chairman of Rajya Sabha, as is customary in the Indian constitutional framework.
Background and Political Journey
- Early Life & Profession: Born on 4 May 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Before entering full-time politics, he was involved in garment exports and related trade.
- Political Foundations: He started his political work as a student leader and then with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Over the years, he has held positions in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including State President for BJP in Tamil Nadu.
- Parliamentary and Gubernatorial Roles: He was elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore (1998, 1999), served as an MP and committee member, and later served as Governor of Jharkhand, then Maharashtra, with additional responsibilities in other regions.
Oaths & Tributes Following Swearing-In
After the swearing-in ceremony, Vice-President Radhakrishnan visited Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He also paid respects at memorials of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Cha. Charan Singh.
Significance and Expectations
Radhakrishnan’s elevation follows the resignation of the previous Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankhar. His election is viewed as reinforcing continuity in constitutional roles and parliamentary traditions. Observers note his reputation for being non-confrontational and for having strong organisational credentials, which may influence his tenure’s tone.
Constitutional & Political Context
- The Vice-Presidential election is governed by constitutional provisions, involving Members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Radhakrishnan becomes one of the few leaders from Tamil Nadu to hold the Vice-Presidency.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), All India Radio (News On AIR), and other public domain reports.