New Delhi, September 12, 2025: Chandrapuram Ponnusami Radhakrishnan on Friday took oath as the 15th Vice President of India in a solemn ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office at around 10 am, marking the beginning of Radhakrishnan’s six-year tenure in one of the highest constitutional positions of the country.
The oath ceremony, attended by a host of dignitaries from across the political spectrum, symbolised continuity in democratic traditions amid a politically charged backdrop.
Election Victory and Political Context
Radhakrishnan, 67, secured his election on September 9 after defeating the Opposition’s nominee, Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy, by a margin of 152 votes. Out of the 752 valid votes polled, Radhakrishnan received 452, while Reddy garnered 300. Fifteen ballots were declared invalid.
The election had become necessary after former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, citing health concerns. Dhankhar made his first public appearance since stepping down when he attended Friday’s oath-taking ceremony, drawing warm applause from the gathering.
Analysts said the outcome reflected the NDA’s organisational strength and floor management, as the Opposition’s hopes of crossing the 320-vote mark were dashed by cross-voting. For the ruling alliance, the victory further consolidates its hold over key constitutional positions, with the President, Vice President, and Lok Sabha Speaker all aligned to its fold.
Ceremony Highlights
The event at Rashtrapati Bhavan was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP national president J.P. Nadda, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Former vice presidents Hamid Ansari and M. Venkaiah Naidu were also present, underlining the bipartisan significance of the office. The notable absentees were Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha and Mallikarjun Kharge in the Rajya Sabha, both of whom skipped the ceremony.
Radhakrishnan took the oath against the backdrop of chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai from sections of the audience, reflecting the celebratory mood among his supporters.
A Political Journey Rooted in Tamil Nadu
Radhakrishnan’s rise to the Vice Presidency is the culmination of a political career spanning over three decades. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, he emerged as a significant figure in the late 1990s when he won the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat in 1998 and 1999 with record margins. These victories were particularly remarkable given the Bharatiya Janata Party’s historically limited footprint in the state.
Between 2004 and 2007, he served as the Tamil Nadu BJP president, where he focused on building the party’s grassroots network. He later became a member of the BJP’s National Executive, contributing to strategy and organisation at the national level.
Radhakrishnan’s administrative experience grew when he was appointed Governor of Jharkhand in February 2023, and subsequently Governor of Maharashtra in February 2024. His gubernatorial stints were marked by what colleagues described as a “pragmatic yet principled” style of governance.
Colleagues Views and Expectations
Party insiders describe Radhakrishnan as a leader deeply rooted in the RSS ideology but equally known for his pragmatic approach in governance. His straightforward demeanor and relatively clean public image, they say, set him apart in an often turbulent political environment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulating him after the election, said Radhakrishnan’s career had been devoted to “uplifting marginalised communities and strengthening democratic values.” Many observers believe that his ability to maintain cross-party goodwill, combined with his organisational experience, will help him manage the Rajya Sabha effectively in his new constitutional role.
The Road Ahead
As Vice President, Radhakrishnan will also serve as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, a role that will test his skills in navigating political contention, particularly at a time when Parliament has seen frequent disruptions.
His immediate challenge will be to foster consensus in a sharply polarised political climate, ensuring the smooth functioning of the Upper House. With a strong mandate backing him, he is expected to bring both discipline and dialogue to parliamentary proceedings.
For Radhakrishnan, the journey from being a BJP strongman in Tamil Nadu to becoming the second-highest constitutional authority in India is as much a personal triumph as it is a political milestone for his party. His tenure will likely be closely watched for how he balances ideology with the impartiality the office demands.
Conclusion
The swearing-in of CP Radhakrishnan as India’s 15th Vice President marks a new chapter in the country’s constitutional history. His ascent reflects not only the BJP’s growing national reach but also the democratic resilience of Indian politics, where leaders from diverse regions continue to occupy the highest offices of the land.
