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Vice Presidential Election 2025: India’s parliamentary corridors witnessed a high-stakes democratic exercise on September 9, 2025, as lawmakers cast their votes to elect the nation’s 15th Vice President. In a closely watched contest, C. P. Radhakrishnan, the NDA’s nominee and a seasoned BJP veteran, triumphed over opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy, marking another significant victory for the ruling coalition.
The election, held in the wake of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s early resignation, not only filled the constitutional vacuum but also revealed the deep political currents flowing across party lines. With abstentions, cross-voting, and a turnout of nearly 98%, this election is already being dubbed as one of the most intriguing vice-presidential polls in recent years.
Vice Presidential Election 2025:Key Highlights
- Winner: NDA’s C. P. Radhakrishnan elected as India’s 15th Vice President.
- Voting Result: Radhakrishnan – 452 votes (60.10%) | Reddy – 300 votes (39.90%).
- Turnout: ~98% of MPs cast their ballot.
- Abstentions: BRS, BJD, and SAD skipped voting, citing farmers’ issues and political neutrality.
- Cross-Voting: Reports suggest several INDIA bloc MPs broke ranks, boosting the NDA’s margin.
- Significance: The result strengthens NDA’s grip on Parliament and reshapes opposition strategies.
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Vice Presidential Election 2025:Why This Election Was Crucial
India’s Vice President holds a constitutionally vital position—serving as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and acting as President in case of a vacancy. When Jagdeep Dhankhar unexpectedly resigned earlier this year, citing “personal and constitutional reasons,” the post fell vacant, prompting an immediate election.
Given that the Vice President plays a balancing role in the Rajya Sabha, where debates often decide the fate of bills, both the NDA and the INDIA bloc considered this election a prestige battle.
For the NDA, victory meant reinforcing parliamentary dominance ahead of the winter session. For the INDIA bloc, success could have provided a morale boost in its ongoing struggle to present a united front.
Who is C. P. Radhakrishnan?
C. P. Radhakrishnan is no stranger to Indian politics. A BJP stalwart from Tamil Nadu, he has served as a two-time MP from Coimbatore and held gubernatorial posts in Jharkhand and Telangana.
Known for his organizational skills and strong RSS roots, Radhakrishnan represents the blend of ideological commitment and political pragmatism that the BJP often projects. His victory as Vice President is also significant for South India, a region where the BJP has been eager to expand its influence.
Vice Presidential Election 2025:Why This Election Was Crucial
The Opposition’s Choice: B. Sudershan Reddy
The INDIA bloc fielded B. Sudershan Reddy, a respected former Supreme Court judge, in an attempt to position the election as a contest between political muscle and constitutional integrity. Reddy’s candidacy was designed to appeal to MPs who value judicial independence and democratic checks.
However, despite his credibility, Reddy’s lack of a political base made it difficult to secure numbers against the NDA’s well-oiled machinery.
Vice Presidential Election 2025:Why This Election Was Crucial
The Role of Abstentions
A defining feature of this election was the strategic abstentions.
- BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) skipped voting, citing the government’s failure to address farmers’ distress.
- BJD (Biju Janata Dal) chose neutrality, continuing its pattern of issue-based support.
- SAD (Shiromani Akali Dal) also refrained, signaling discontent with both national coalitions.
These abstentions reduced the INDIA bloc’s potential vote share and indirectly benefited the NDA.
Cross-Voting: Silent Game-Changer
Reports suggest that several MPs from the INDIA bloc cross-voted in favor of Radhakrishnan. BJP leaders claimed this reflected disillusionment within the opposition ranks, while Congress insiders dismissed it as “individual deviations.”
Regardless, the margin of victory (452–300) points to more than just abstentions—it indicates active internal fractures within the opposition.
What This Means for Indian Politics
The Vice Presidential election, though indirect, often acts as a political barometer. Radhakrishnan’s win carries multiple implications:
- NDA’s Strength Consolidated: With control over both the Speaker’s chair (Lok Sabha) and Vice President’s chair (Rajya Sabha), the government is positioned strongly for legislative battles.
- Opposition Weakness Exposed: Cross-voting and abstentions show cracks in the INDIA bloc unity, raising questions about its long-term strategy.
- Regional Politics in Play: Radhakrishnan’s Tamil Nadu roots signal BJP’s continued efforts to penetrate southern politics.
- Future Leadership Questions: With Prime Minister Modi in his third term, the positioning of leaders like Radhakrishnan could influence succession politics within NDA.
Comparison Table
| Category | NDA – C. P. Radhakrishnan | INDIA Bloc – B. Sudershan Reddy |
|---|---|---|
| Total Votes Secured | 452 | 300 |
| Percentage | 60.10% | 39.90% |
| Support Base | NDA MPs, allies, cross-votes | Congress, Left, regional allies |
| Strength | Political experience, organizational clout | Judicial integrity, moral authority |
| Weakness | Opposition criticizes ideological bias | Lacked numbers, limited political base |
FAQs
Q1: How is India’s Vice President elected?
The Vice President is chosen by an electoral college consisting of members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, through a secret ballot and single transferable vote system.
Q2: Why did some parties abstain?
BRS, BJD, and SAD abstained, citing farmers’ issues, political neutrality, and dissatisfaction with both nominees.
Q3: Does this result affect the opposition’s future?
Yes. The result highlights divisions within the INDIA bloc and raises concerns about its ability to challenge the NDA in upcoming state and national elections.
Q4: What role will the new Vice President play?
Apart from presiding over the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President may step in as Acting President if required, making it one of the most critical constitutional offices in India.
Conclusion: A Victory Beyond Numbers
The 2025 Vice Presidential election was not just about filling a constitutional vacancy—it was a mirror to India’s current political climate. C. P. Radhakrishnan’s victory cements NDA’s parliamentary dominance, exposes opposition fragility, and signals BJP’s ambition to expand its ideological and geographical reach.
As India heads into a volatile political season, with key state elections and policy debates looming, the role of the Vice President—as a referee in the Rajya Sabha and a symbol of constitutional continuity—will be closely watched.
The message from Parliament is clear: numbers matter, unity matters more.
