CP Radhakrishnan Sworn In: India’s 15th Vice President CP Radhakrishnan Takes Historic Oath in Constitutional Ceremony

Key Highlights

• CP Radhakrishnan was sworn in as India’s 15th Vice President on September 12, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu
• The BJP leader secured 452 votes in the September 9 election, defeating INDIA bloc candidate B. Sudershan Reddy by a decisive 152-vote margin
• The ceremony marked the first mid-term Vice Presidential election since 2025, following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on health grounds

Opening Context

CP Radhakrishnan officially assumed office as India’s 15th Vice President on September 12, 2025, marking a significant constitutional milestone in the nation’s democratic process. The 68-year-old BJP veteran took his oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan, administered by President Droupadi Murmu in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former President Ram Nath Kovind, and other senior dignitaries. This historic swearing-in ceremony concluded an extraordinary mid-term Vice Presidential election that was necessitated by the unprecedented resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in July 2025. CP Radhakrishnan’s election victory with 452 votes represents not just a personal triumph but also demonstrates the ruling NDA’s continued parliamentary strength, as the Tamil Nadu leader secured 14 more votes than the alliance’s projected tally.

#WATCH || 𝐂𝐏 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐚𝐧 (@CPRGuv) 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚.

#VicePresident #CPRadhakrishnan pic.twitter.com/wn9btutr11

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) September 12, 2025

Constitutional Mandate and Electoral Process

• Article 68 of the Constitution mandates that elections to fill Vice Presidential vacancies must be conducted “as soon as possible” after occurrence
• The Electoral College comprises 781 members from both Houses of Parliament, including nominated Rajya Sabha members
• CP Radhakrishnan surpassed the required majority of 377 votes by a comfortable margin of 75 additional votes

The Vice Presidential election of 2025 was conducted under Article 68 of the Constitution, which specifically addresses the timing of elections to fill casual vacancies in the Vice President’s office. The Electoral College for this election consisted of 781 members, including 233 elected Rajya Sabha members, 12 nominated Rajya Sabha members, and 536 elected Lok Sabha members. 

CP Radhakrishnan secured 452 first preference votes against the required majority of 377, while his opponent B. Sudershan Reddy received 300 votes. The election witnessed an impressive turnout of 98.21%, with 767 out of 781 eligible MPs casting their ballots, though 15 votes were declared invalid. This constitutional process ensured continuity in governance while adhering to the proportional representation system mandated for Vice Presidential elections.

Political Significance and Alliance Dynamics

• The NDA victory exceeded expectations by 14 votes, suggesting possible cross-voting from opposition ranks
• YSRCP support for Radhakrishnan despite not being part of NDA added 11 crucial votes to his tally
• Three parties abstained from voting, including BJD (7 members) and BRS (4 members)

CP Radhakrishnan’s electoral success reflects broader political dynamics within Parliament, as his victory margin of 152 votes demonstrated substantial cross-party appeal. The NDA candidate received unexpected support from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), whose 11 MPs voted for Radhakrishnan despite the party not being part of the ruling alliance.

Prime Minister Modi’s congratulatory message emphasized CP Radhakrishnan’s dedication to “serving society and empowering the poor and marginalized,” highlighting the ideological alignment that secured this decisive victory. The election results also revealed strategic abstentions, with the Biju Janata Dal (7 MPs), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (4 MPs), and Shiromani Akali Dal (1 MP) choosing not to participate in the electoral process. This political arithmetic ultimately strengthened Radhakrishnan’s mandate while showcasing the ruling alliance’s ability to attract support beyond its traditional base.

Distinguished Career and Administrative Experience

• CP Radhakrishnan served as Governor of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Telangana, plus Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry
• His tenure as Coir Board Chairman (2016-2020) achieved record exports worth Rs 2,532 crore
• The RSS veteran began his political journey as a student leader before joining BJP’s organizational structure

Born in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, on May 4, 1957, CP Radhakrishnan brings extensive administrative and political experience to the Vice Presidency. His distinguished career includes serving as Governor of multiple states – Jharkhand (2023), Telangana (2024), and Maharashtra (2024) – along with the Lieutenant Governorship of Puducherry. During his tenure as Chairman of the Coir Board from 2016 to 2020, CP Radhakrishnan oversaw record-breaking exports valued at Rs 2,532 crore, demonstrating his administrative acumen in promoting traditional industries.

His political journey spans decades, beginning as an RSS swayamsevak and student leader before rising through BJP ranks to become Tamil Nadu state president. CP Radhakrishnan’s grassroots connection was evident in his extensive rath yatra covering 12,000 miles across 93 days and multiple pada yatras that strengthened his bond with ordinary citizens.

Constitutional Transition and Future Responsibilities

• Jagdeep Dhankhar made his first public appearance since resignation at Radhakrishnan’s swearing-in ceremony
• The new Vice President will serve a five-year term until 2030, as per Article 67 of the Constitution
• CP Radhakrishnan becomes the third leader from Tamil Nadu to hold the Vice Presidential office

The constitutional transition was marked by the presence of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who attended CP Radhakrishnan’s oath ceremony in his first public appearance since resigning on July 21, 2025, citing health concerns. Under Article 67 of the Constitution, CP Radhakrishnan will serve a full five-year term until 2030, assuming the complete responsibilities of the second-highest constitutional office. His appointment makes him the third person from Tamil Nadu to hold the Vice Presidential position, following the tradition of regional representation in India’s highest offices.

The ceremony concluded with CP Radhakrishnan paying floral tributes at Rajghat to Mahatma Gandhi and at Sadaiv Atal to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, symbolizing continuity with India’s constitutional and democratic traditions. As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he will preside over the Upper House proceedings while maintaining the dignity and impartiality essential for effective parliamentary functioning.

Final Assessment

CP Radhakrishnan’s elevation as India’s 15th Vice President represents a seamless constitutional transition that maintains democratic continuity during challenging times. His comprehensive victory with 452 votes, significantly exceeding the required majority, establishes a strong mandate for his five-year tenure. The mid-term election necessitated by Dhankhar’s unprecedented resignation demonstrated the Constitution’s robust framework for addressing unexpected vacancies in high constitutional offices. 

CP Radhakrishnan’s extensive experience as a multi-state Governor, combined with his deep organizational background and grassroots political connection, positions him well to fulfill the Vice Presidential responsibilities of presiding over Rajya Sabha proceedings and serving as the constitutional bridge between different branches of government. This historic oath-taking ceremony not only filled a crucial constitutional vacancy but also reinforced the enduring strength of India’s democratic institutions and electoral processes.