Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee, was on Monday elected as the 15th Vice President of India, securing a decisive victory over opposition candidate Justice Sudarshan Reddy. Radhakrishnan polled 452 votes against Reddy’s 300, comfortably crossing the victory threshold of 377.
According to the Election Commission of India, a total of 767 votes were cast in the Vice-Presidential poll, of which 752 were declared valid while 15 were invalid. The election witnessed brisk participation, with nearly 96 per cent of Members of Parliament turning out to vote. The ballot process took place inside Room No. F-101, Vasudha, at Parliament House, between 10 am and 5 pm, with counting commencing at 6 pm.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the earliest to cast his vote, accompanied by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal. Senior ministers including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari and Shivraj Singh Chouhan also marked their participation. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with several regional representatives, took part in the polling. Notably, Engineer Rashid, the jailed MP from Baramulla, was escorted under heavy security to exercise his franchise.
Despite the high turnout, 13 MPs chose to abstain. This group included members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and independents. Their abstention was seen as an attempt to underline state-specific priorities and to maintain an equal distance from both the NDA and the INDIA bloc.
The opposition had framed the election as an “ideological battle,” claiming that all 315 MPs under its fold had voted. However, the NDA’s tally highlighted the discipline within its coalition and underscored the ruling alliance’s parliamentary strength. Party insiders attributed the victory not only to numerical advantage but also to meticulous organisational oversight. According to one BJP leader, Prime Minister Modi ensured every MP was familiar with the voting process and personally reinforced the importance of participation.
The Election Commission had notified the polls on August 7, with August 21 as the deadline for nominations. After scrutiny on August 22, only two valid candidates remained, with no withdrawals by the August 25 deadline. This set the stage for the September 9 contest.
Radhakrishnan will take the oath of office on Wednesday, administered by the President of India in the presence of Members of Parliament and constitutional dignitaries. His five-year term will extend until 2030 unless vacated earlier. As Vice President, he will serve as the ex officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and, under Articles 67 and 71 of the Constitution, will assume presidential duties if a vacancy arises.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lok Sabha MP Bishnu Pada Ray congratulated the new Vice President, calling the moment both nationally significant and personally meaningful. Ray, who has shared a three-decade-long association with Radhakrishnan within the party, described him as a leader committed to democracy and inclusivity. He recalled their collaboration over the years and expressed pride in seeing a trusted colleague ascend to one of India’s highest constitutional offices.
Ray also pointed out that he had recently met Radhakrishnan in Mumbai, an encounter that reaffirmed their camaraderie and shared political vision. According to him, the elevation of Radhakrishnan is not just recognition of his personal contributions but also an inspiration for colleagues across the political spectrum, including those working for the development of regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
With Radhakrishnan’s election, the NDA has consolidated another key constitutional office, extending its influence across the highest echelons of governance. For many, his tenure will be watched closely, not only for the balance he strikes as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha but also for how he interprets the broader responsibilities of the Vice Presidency in India’s democratic framework.
