New Delhi: There was no surprise in the Vice-Presidential election on Tuesday.
Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, the ruling NDA’s candidate, emerged victorious to be elected the 14th Vice-President of India.
He defeated INDIA bloc candidate B Sudershan Reddy by a comfortable margin of 152 votes.
The 68-year-old Radhakrishnan succeeds Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned on July 21, the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon session, citing health issues.
Radhakrishnan, a two-time former Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore, received 452 votes, Reddy managed 300.
However, the tally of former Supreme Court judge Justice Reddy suggests there could be some cracks in the Opposition ranks due to cross-voting by some MPs.
Even though the numbers were clearly in Radhakrishnan’s favour before the election, Reddy was expected to get around 320-325 if all MPs voted on party lines.
After ballots were cast on Tuesday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Reddy would get 315 votes. But even that figure was not reached.
President Murmu, PM Modi congratulate new V-P
President Droupadi extended her best wishes to Radhakrishnan.
“Congratulations to Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on being elected as the Vice President of India! Your decades of rich experience in public life will contribute significantly to the nation’s progress. I extend my best wishes to you for a successful and impactful tenure,” Murmu posted on X.
In his message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was sure Radhakrishnan will be an ‘outstanding’ V-P.
“Congratulations to Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji on winning the 2025 Vice Presidential election. His life has always been devoted to serving society and empowering the poor and marginalised. I am confident that he will be an outstanding VP, who will strengthen our Constitutional values and enhance Parliamentary discourse,” tweeted Modi.
Reddy accepts defeat ‘humbly’
Justice Reddy, 79, said he “humbly accepted” the outcome and wished Radhakrishnan the very best.
“Today, the MPs have rendered their verdict in the election for the office of the Vice-President of India. I humbly accept this outcome with an abiding faith in the democratic processes of our great Republic. This journey has been a profound honour, offering me the opportunity to stand for the values that have guided my life — constitutional morality, justice, and the dignity of every individual,” Reddy said in a statement.
He added the ‘ideological battle’ will continue with ‘greater vigour’.
“Though the result is not in my favour, the larger cause we have collectively sought to advance remains undiminished. The ideological battle continues with ever greater vigour. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leaders of the Opposition parties who made me their joint candidate… I wish the Vice President-elect CP Radhakrishnan the very best as he embarks upon his tenure,” he said.
15 invalid votes
Out of 788 eligible MPs, 767 exercised their franchise in the Vice-Presidential election, which represents a 98.2 per cent turnout. Of the 767 votes cast, 15 were invalid, returning officer PC Mody informed.
Thirteen MPs abstained from voting – 7 from Biju Janata Dal (BJD), 4 from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), 1 from Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and 1 an independent MP.