NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan elected as the new Vice President of India, Defeats Opposition’s B Sudershan Reddy

CP Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate, has been elected as the new Vice President of India, defeating the INDIA bloc’s nominee B Sudershan Reddy. Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes, while Reddy garnered 300.

Polling for the Vice-Presidential election began at 10 am and concluded at 5 pm, with counting completed by around 7:30 pm.

This election saw a decisive margin, though slightly lower than the over-300-vote lead by which Jagdeep Dhankhar won in 2022.

The NDA’s decision to nominate Radhakrishnan—then serving as Governor of Maharashtra—brought attention to a seasoned BJP leader with a political journey spanning nearly five decades. Known for his grassroots connection, organisational discipline, and administrative experience, Radhakrishnan has long been a prominent figure within the party.

Born in 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan was associated early with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His involvement with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in the 1970s laid the groundwork for a steady rise in the BJP.

He served as president of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit from 2004 to 2007 and played a key role in strengthening the party’s organisational base in the state.

Radhakrishnan represented Coimbatore in the Lok Sabha for two consecutive terms in 1998 and 1999, where he focused on industrial development, infrastructure, and education.

In 2016, he was appointed chairman of the Coir Board in Kochi, under whose leadership the board achieved record export levels. Later, as BJP’s national in-charge for Kerala, he was noted for his strategic outreach and management.

His Constitutional career began in 2023 when he was appointed Governor of Jharkhand. He later held additional charge of Telangana and Puducherry, before being posted as Governor of Maharashtra in 2024.

Known for his low-key and controversy-free style of functioning, Radhakrishnan earned respect across party lines for his measured approach and administrative maturity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed Radhakrishnan’s candidature, calling him a leader who embodies “dedication, humility, and intellect,” along with an unwavering commitment to grassroots empowerment.

At 67, CP Radhakrishnan brings to the Vice Presidency nearly four decades of experience in public life, spanning both political and constitutional roles.