In a momentous constitutional event, C.P. Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice-President of India on September 12, 2025, in a solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu, with a gathering of India’s top political and constitutional dignitaries in attendance.
Dressed in a traditional kurta, Radhakrishnan took the oath “in the name of God”, assuming the second-highest constitutional position in the Indian Republic. With this, he also becomes the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament.
Ceremony Attended by Key Leaders
The swearing-in was marked by the presence of key national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President (outgoing) Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and leaders from across the political spectrum.
Former Presidents, former Vice-Presidents, Supreme Court judges, MPs, and diplomats attended the function, which was followed by a ceremonial guard of honour. The dignified atmosphere underscored the importance of continuity and respect for constitutional processes.
Electoral Victory with a Comfortable Margin
C.P. Radhakrishnan’s elevation follows a decisive victory in the Vice-Presidential election held on September 9, 2025. Representing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), he defeated the opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge backed by the INDIA bloc.
Out of the 785 Members of Parliament, 767 voted, and Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes, while Reddy received 300 votes. The remaining 15 votes were either invalid or abstentions. The margin of victory was seen as a strong endorsement of the NDA’s candidate and the result of strategic coordination within the alliance.
Political Journey: From Coimbatore to the Constitution’s Core
Born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan began his political journey as a RSS pracharak before joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the early 1990s. He was elected to the Lok Sabha twice from Coimbatore and earned respect across party lines for his straightforward, non-confrontational style and commitment to public service.
He later held constitutional posts as the Governor of Jharkhand and Governor of Maharashtra, and was widely regarded as an efficient and disciplined administrator. Known for maintaining a low profile and high integrity, Radhakrishnan’s rise to the Vice-Presidency is seen as the culmination of decades of quiet but impactful public service.
Expectations in Parliament
As Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Radhakrishnan now holds a critical role in the functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy. The Rajya Sabha has witnessed turbulent sessions in recent years, often marred by adjournments and breakdowns in dialogue. Radhakrishnan’s calm demeanour and administrative experience will be tested as he works to restore order and encourage healthy debate.
Parliamentary experts have expressed hope that his tenure will mark a return to civil, rules-based discussions, and ensure that opposition voices are heard while maintaining decorum. His work will also include engaging with MPs across the political spectrum, fostering bipartisan understanding.
A Strategic Signal to the South
Radhakrishnan’s elevation also carries a strong political message. As a prominent Tamil Nadu leader, his appointment is seen as a strategic signal to the southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, where the BJP has been working to expand its political footprint.
His nomination was seen as an attempt to bridge the political divide between the Centre and the Dravidian heartland. Commentators have noted that the BJP, by elevating a Tamilian with RSS roots and administrative experience, is attempting to demonstrate inclusivity and regional balance at the highest levels of constitutional power.
Non-Partisan Responsibilities Await
Though associated with the BJP and RSS throughout his career, Radhakrishnan now steps into a non-partisan, constitutional role. This transition is critical, as the Vice-President must remain above party politics. His decisions and conduct will set the tone for how India’s constitutional offices are perceived in a deeply polarised political landscape.
Speaking briefly after the ceremony, Radhakrishnan reiterated his commitment to “upholding the Constitution in letter and spirit” and expressed hope for “constructive and inclusive debates in Parliament that reflect the aspirations of the people of India.”
Public Response and Commentary
Public reaction to his appointment has been largely positive, with praise for his humility, clean track record, and long-standing public service. Many regional leaders from Tamil Nadu, including some outside the BJP, congratulated him and described the moment as one of pride for the state.
However, opposition leaders have called on him to “rise above affiliations” and ensure a “level playing field” in Parliament, especially with critical legislation on the horizon.
Political analysts note that while the Vice-President does not have legislative powers in the traditional sense, their influence over the tone, direction, and decorum of Parliament is immense. With the 2026 general elections approaching, the Rajya Sabha is expected to play a key role in shaping the national conversation.
Looking Ahead
C.P. Radhakrishnan’s assumption of office as the 15th Vice-President of India comes at a time when constitutional values, federalism, and parliamentary norms are under close scrutiny. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the Upper House of Parliament remains a forum for reasoned deliberation and checks and balances, rather than political deadlock.
The next five years will test his ability to lead with fairness, stand by the Constitution, and represent the dignity of one of India’s most significant constitutional offices. With a legacy of integrity behind him and a demanding constitutional path ahead, Radhakrishnan now stands at the centre of India’s democratic framework — a symbol of both tradition and transition.