On September 9, 2025, India elected its 15th Vice President in a high-stakes contest between C.P. Radhakrishnan, the BJP-led NDA’s nominee, and B. Sudershan Reddy, the INDIA bloc’s candidate. Triggered by the sudden resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, the election saw robust participation with a 96% voter turnout by 3 p.m. Despite the NDA’s numerical advantage, the secret ballot system and absence of party whips fueled speculation about potential cross-voting. C.P. Radhakrishnan emerged victorious, solidifying the NDA’s dominance in this critical constitutional race.
- Key Points:
- Election held on September 9, 2025, to replace Jagdeep Dhankhar.
- C.P. Radhakrishnan (NDA) defeated B. Sudershan Reddy (INDIA bloc).
- 96% voter turnout recorded by 3 p.m., with results declared by evening.
The Candidates: A Clash of Experience and Ideals
The election pitted two prominent figures from southern India against each other. C.P. Radhakrishnan, a seasoned BJP leader and current Governor of Maharashtra, brought decades of political experience, including two terms as an MP from Coimbatore and governorships in Jharkhand and Telangana. His candidacy represented the NDA’s focus on governance and regional representation. B. Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge from Telangana, was the INDIA bloc’s choice, emphasizing social justice and constitutionalism. Known for landmark rulings like the 2011 Salwa Judum case, Reddy garnered support from civil society but faced an uphill battle against the NDA’s numbers.
- Key Points:
- Radhakrishnan: BJP veteran, Maharashtra Governor, two-time MP.
- Reddy: Former Supreme Court judge, known for social justice rulings.
- Both candidates from southern states, highlighting regional significance.
Electoral Dynamics: NDA’s Numerical Edge
The electoral college for the Vice-Presidential election comprised 781 MPs (543 Lok Sabha, 238 Rajya Sabha, including 12 nominated members), with a majority mark of 391 votes. The NDA, with 425 MPs, held a clear advantage, bolstered by support from the YSR Congress Party (11 MPs). The INDIA bloc, with 324 MPs, relied on Reddy’s appeal and hoped for cross-voting, as MPs were not bound by party whips in the secret ballot system. However, the abstention of BJD, BRS, and SAD (12 MPs combined) had little impact on the outcome, with Radhakrishnan securing a comfortable win.
- Key Points:
- Electoral college: 781 MPs; majority required: 391 votes.
- NDA: 425 MPs, supported by YSRCP; INDIA bloc: 324 MPs.
- BJD, BRS, SAD abstained, citing regional issues or neutrality.
Voting Process: A Day of High Engagement
Polling began at 10 a.m. in the new Parliament building’s Vasudha, Room No. F-101, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi casting the first vote. Conducted under a secret ballot system, MPs marked “1” next to their preferred candidate, with no second preferences allowed to avoid invalid votes. By 3 p.m., 96% of MPs had voted, reflecting strong engagement. Counting started at 6 p.m., with results announced later that evening, confirming Radhakrishnan’s victory. Notable voters included Rajnath Singh, Kangana Ranaut, and Ram Gopal Yadav.
- Key Points:
- Polling from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; counting began at 6 p.m.
- Secret ballot allowed MPs to vote freely without party whips.
- High 96% turnout by 3 p.m., with PM Modi leading the process.
Political Reactions and Strategies
Both alliances prepared rigorously, holding mock polls on September 8 to ensure MPs voted correctly. The INDIA bloc, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed optimism about Reddy’s chances, citing his public support and judicial legacy. However, the NDA’s numerical strength and strategic outreach, including YSRCP’s backing, proved decisive. Congress criticized YSRCP’s support for the NDA, with Manickam Tagore alleging political motivations. The abstention of BJD, BRS, and SAD underscored regional parties’ focus on local issues, such as Telangana’s farmer grievances and Punjab’s flood crisis.
- Key Points:
- NDA and INDIA bloc conducted mock polls to avoid invalid votes.
- Congress optimistic about Reddy; criticized YSRCP’s NDA support.
- Abstaining parties (BJD, BRS, SAD) prioritized regional concerns.
Why It Matters: Ideological and Constitutional Significance
The Vice-Presidential election was more than a numbers game—it was an ideological battle. The NDA framed Radhakrishnan’s candidacy as a continuation of its governance agenda, while the INDIA bloc positioned Reddy as a defender of constitutional values and social justice. The election, only the third triggered by a mid-term resignation in India’s history, highlighted the Vice President’s role as Rajya Sabha chairperson and constitutional custodian. Radhakrishnan’s win strengthens the NDA’s influence in Parliament, setting the stage for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
- Key Points:
- Election seen as an ideological contest between governance and justice.
- Third mid-term Vice-Presidential election in India’s history.
- Radhakrishnan’s victory bolsters NDA’s parliamentary influence.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for India’s Vice Presidency
C.P. Radhakrishnan’s election as India’s 15th Vice President on September 9, 2025, marks a significant moment for the NDA and the nation. With a 96% voter turnout and a clear numerical advantage, the BJP-led alliance secured a decisive win over the INDIA bloc’s B. Sudershan Reddy. This victory reinforces the NDA’s dominance while highlighting the evolving role of regional parties in national politics. As Radhakrishnan assumes the second-highest constitutional office, his leadership will shape parliamentary proceedings and India’s democratic discourse, particularly with the 2025 Bihar elections on the horizon.
