National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India after defeating the opposition INDIA bloc’s candidate, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy, in today’s election.
The poll was conducted in the new Parliament building, where members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha voted through a secret ballot under the single transferable vote system. Radhakrishnan, who is currently the Governor of Maharashtra and a senior BJP leader, secured 452 votes, ensuring a comfortable victory.
The INDIA bloc, which had rallied behind Sudershan Reddy, failed to mount a strong challenge. Several regional parties, including the BRS and BJD, abstained from voting, weakening the opposition’s chances further and solidifying the NDA’s numerical advantage.
Radhakrishnan will succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned earlier this year, leading to a rare mid-term election for the Vice President’s post. In his new role, he will also serve as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, where his experience is expected to play a crucial role in managing debates and facilitating legislative business.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radhakrishnan, describing his election as a proud moment for the nation. Opposition leaders, while acknowledging the result, expressed concerns about the NDA’s dominance in Parliament and vowed to keep raising key issues.
The outcome reaffirms the NDA’s political strength ahead of upcoming state polls, while leaving the INDIA bloc to regroup and address internal unity challenges.
