Vice Presidential Election Underway: CP Radhakrishnan vs Sudershan Reddy

9 Sep 2025

By Sarhind Times Political Desk

Introduction

India is witnessing another crucial chapter in its democratic journey as the Vice Presidential election unfolds today, following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. The contest pits CP Radhakrishnan, the ruling National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee, against Sudershan Reddy, the INDIA bloc’s consensus candidate.

The voting, conducted by members of both houses of Parliament, is underway in New Delhi and will continue until 5 p.m.. Counting will begin soon after, with results expected later tonight.

This election is significant not only for filling the second-highest constitutional office but also for shaping the political narrative ahead of upcoming assembly elections and the next Lok Sabha polls.

Why the Vice President’s Role Matters

Often seen as a ceremonial office, the Vice President of India actually holds two critical responsibilities:

Presiding Officer of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House):
- The VP ensures smooth functioning, manages debates, and safeguards parliamentary decorum.
- With frequent disruptions and heated debates in recent sessions, the role is vital for maintaining balance.
Successor to the President in Contingencies:
- If the President is unable to discharge duties, the Vice President steps in as acting President.

Thus, the office is not merely symbolic but central to India’s constitutional framework.

The Candidates

CP Radhakrishnan (NDA Candidate)

Background: Senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, currently Governor of Jharkhand.
Political Career:
- Two-time Lok Sabha MP.
- Long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
- Known for organizational skills and loyalty to the party’s central leadership.
Strengths:
- Strong NDA backing with numerical advantage in Parliament.
- Seen as a disciplined leader capable of presiding over the Rajya Sabha with firmness.

Sudershan Reddy (INDIA Bloc Candidate)

Background: Former judge of the Supreme Court turned politician, nominated as the joint candidate by the INDIA alliance.
Political Career:
- Advocated constitutional values and independence of judiciary.
- Symbolic choice to project INDIA bloc’s commitment to checks and balances.
Strengths:
- Backed by a coalition of opposition parties aiming to challenge NDA dominance.
- Appeals to those seeking a non-partisan figure.

Voting Process

The election uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system under proportional representation.

Electoral College: All members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Procedure:
- MPs rank candidates in order of preference.
- If no candidate secures the required quota in the first count, votes are transferred based on preferences until a winner emerges.

This ensures broad acceptance of the Vice President across party lines.

Numbers Game: Who Has the Edge?

Total Members: 788 (543 Lok Sabha + 245 Rajya Sabha).
Effective Voters: Around 780 (considering vacancies and disqualifications).
NDA’s Strength: Nearly 370+ MPs, giving CP Radhakrishnan a clear advantage.
INDIA Bloc: Roughly 200+ MPs united behind Sudershan Reddy.

While the numbers favor the NDA, opposition parties hope to use this election to demonstrate unity and keep the pressure on the government.

Historical Context

India has had 14 Vice Presidents so far. Many later went on to become Presidents, including:

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
Dr. Zakir Husain
R. Venkataraman
Shankar Dayal Sharma
Krishan Kant

The Vice Presidency often acts as a stepping stone to the presidency, making today’s vote politically consequential.

Political Significance

For NDA

Victory would reinforce its dominance in both Houses of Parliament.
Appointment of a loyalist like CP Radhakrishnan ensures smoother handling of Rajya Sabha, where the government occasionally lacks a majority.

For INDIA Bloc

Even in likely defeat, the bloc sees value in putting up a fight.
The candidature of Sudershan Reddy highlights opposition messaging around constitutional values and judicial independence.

Expert Opinions

Political Analyst (Delhi):
“While the outcome appears predictable, the symbolism of opposition unity should not be underestimated. It sets the stage for their joint campaigns in the upcoming assembly elections.”
Former Rajya Sabha Secretary General:
“The Vice President’s role as Chairperson of Rajya Sabha has become increasingly challenging. Whoever wins must balance partisan politics with parliamentary traditions.”

Public Reactions

On social media, hashtags like #VPElection2025, #RadhakrishnanVsReddy, and #DemocracyInAction trended through the morning. Citizens expressed both optimism and cynicism:

Supporters of NDA hailed Radhakrishnan’s long political career.
INDIA bloc sympathizers praised Reddy’s non-partisan background.
Many called for the VP to act as a neutral guardian of parliamentary functioning.

Broader Implications

Rajya Sabha Dynamics:
- The next VP will play a critical role in navigating contentious debates, especially around economic reforms and federal issues.
Message to the States:
- Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Bihar elections are on the horizon. Today’s contest is seen as a rehearsal for larger political battles.
Institutional Stability:
- In an era of fractured debates, the Vice President’s conduct will influence the credibility of Parliament.

Timeline of the Day

10:00 AM – Voting begins at Parliament House.
1:00 PM – Midday reports suggest brisk participation by MPs.
5:00 PM – Voting concludes.
Evening – Counting begins immediately.
Late Night – Results expected to be announced by the Election Commission.

Possible Outcomes

If CP Radhakrishnan Wins:
NDA consolidates control, ensuring smoother Rajya Sabha functioning.
If Sudershan Reddy Causes an Upset:
It would be a morale booster for INDIA bloc, signaling cracks in NDA’s dominance.

While an upset appears unlikely given the arithmetic, politics often surprises.

Conclusion

The Vice Presidential election of 2025 is not just about filling a constitutional vacancy—it is a reflection of India’s vibrant democracy, where every election becomes a stage for larger political narratives.

Whether CP Radhakrishnan emerges victorious as expected, or Sudershan Reddy manages a symbolic upset, the true test will be how the next Vice President presides over the Rajya Sabha and protects India’s parliamentary traditions.

For citizens, the election underscores the resilience of democratic institutions—even as political divisions grow sharper.

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