C.P. Radhakrishnan Takes Charge as Vice-President: A Veteran from Tamil Nadu Rises to India’s Second-Highest Office
On the morning of September 12, 2025, C.P. Radhakrishnan was officially sworn in as the 15th Vice-President of India, marking the beginning of a new constitutional chapter for the nation. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu administered the solemn oath of office.
The occasion was graced by several high-ranking dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Vice-Presidents Jagdeep Dhankhar and Venkaiah Naidu, and a host of Union Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament. The event was broadcast live, drawing attention nationwide to the peaceful and dignified transition of one of the country’s top constitutional posts.
A Strong Electoral Mandate
Radhakrishnan secured a significant victory in the Vice-Presidential election, which took place on September 9, 2025. Representing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), he defeated opposition candidate and retired Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy, who ran on a United INDIA bloc ticket.
Out of the 785 eligible MPs, 767 cast their votes, with Radhakrishnan garnering 452 votes to Reddy’s 300, while 15 votes were declared invalid. The overwhelming support reflected not just the strength of the NDA in Parliament, but also signaled cross-party confidence in Radhakrishnan’s ability to serve in a non-partisan, constitutional role.
Background and Public Life
C.P. Radhakrishnan’s political journey has been both deep-rooted and multifaceted. Born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, he started his public life as a RSS pracharak and later became a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as a Member of Parliament from Coimbatore for two terms and was recognized for his grassroots connect and clean public image.
In recent years, he held gubernatorial positions, including Governor of Jharkhand and more recently, Governor of Maharashtra. His experience in both legislative and executive roles is considered valuable as he assumes the chairmanship of the Rajya Sabha, India’s Upper House.
Significance of the Office
The Vice-President of India holds a dual role: serving as the ex officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, and stepping in as Acting President when the President is unable to fulfill duties. Though largely ceremonial, the office plays a pivotal constitutional role in upholding legislative decorum, particularly in an era marked by intense political debate and parliamentary disruption.
Given Radhakrishnan’s reputation for being calm, methodical, and measured, political analysts believe he is well-suited to restore discipline and dignity to the Rajya Sabha proceedings. As a senior constitutional authority, he is also expected to rise above party lines and act as a neutral moderator of parliamentary debates.
PM Modi’s Remarks and Expectations
Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the new Vice-President, praising his “decades of dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to constitutional values.” He noted that Radhakrishnan’s elevation was a reflection of the BJP’s commitment to inclusive leadership and regional representation.
Opposition leaders also welcomed the appointment, though some expressed concerns about maintaining the non-partisan sanctity of the post, especially given Radhakrishnan’s long association with the RSS and the BJP.
Challenges Ahead
As the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Radhakrishnan will face immediate challenges, including managing frequent disruptions, enabling fruitful debates, and balancing the voices of both majority and minority parties. With the 2026 General Budget Session expected to be contentious, all eyes will be on how he navigates heated discussions and maintains procedural order.
Moreover, in an increasingly polarized political climate, his actions will be scrutinized for impartiality. Radhakrishnan’s ability to draw on his administrative experience and political maturity will be key to ensuring that the Vice-President’s office remains a pillar of constitutional integrity.
A Symbolic and Strategic Move
Radhakrishnan’s appointment is also symbolic. Coming from Tamil Nadu—a state where the BJP has historically struggled for dominance—his selection is seen as a strategic outreach to the South. It represents the party’s broader goal of expanding its footprint in the region while also rewarding loyal leadership from underrepresented areas.
It is also significant that a leader from a non-Hindi-speaking southern state has risen to the country’s second-highest constitutional office, highlighting the federal and inclusive spirit of the Indian Republic.
Public Reactions and Media Coverage
Public response to Radhakrishnan’s elevation has been largely positive, especially from Tamil Nadu’s BJP cadre and southern states. Many view his appointment as a recognition of regional leadership and a tribute to merit-based rise, cutting across political divides.
Social media was abuzz with messages of congratulations, archival clips of his Lok Sabha speeches, and interviews highlighting his humble beginnings, spartan lifestyle, and RSS upbringing.
Looking Forward
As he settles into his new role, expectations are high for C.P. Radhakrishnan to bring a blend of discipline, dialogue, and dignity to India’s Parliament. His political journey—from a local BJP leader in Coimbatore to the Vice-President of India—demonstrates the enduring strength of democratic institutions that allow for upward mobility based on service and integrity.
With five years ahead of him in this constitutionally critical position, Radhakrishnan has the opportunity to leave a legacy not only of effective parliamentary leadership but also of reinforcing the non-partisan nature of constitutional offices in India’s democratic framework.