Srinagar, Sep 9: In a significant political development, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as the Vice President of India, defeating Opposition-backed nominee Justice B Sudershan Reddy by a decisive margin in the elections held on Tuesday.
Radhakrishnan, who is currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra and a veteran BJP leader, secured 452 first preference votes, comfortably crossing the required majority mark of 391 votes. His opponent, Sudershan Reddy, managed to garner 300 votes, as announced by Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody during a press briefing post-counting.
The election witnessed active participation, with 315 Opposition MPs turning up to vote. Voting commenced at 10 AM and concluded by 5 PM, followed by the counting process which began at 6 PM.
The total strength of the electoral college for the vice-presidential polls stands at 781 Members of Parliament — 542 from the Lok Sabha (with one seat currently vacant) and 239 from the Rajya Sabha (five seats vacant).
This victory reinforces the NDA’s stronghold in Parliament and comes as a political boost ahead of crucial state and national elections. CP Radhakrishnan’s elevation to the constitutional post is also seen as the BJP’s move to reward seasoned leadership with administrative and legislative experience.
Upon announcement of the result, congratulations poured in from across party lines, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing Radhakrishnan’s commitment to public service. The newly elected Vice President is expected to take oath in a formal ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this week.
With this win, CP Radhakrishnan becomes the 14th Vice President of India, succeeding Jagdeep Dhankhar, and will also assume the role of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha as per constitutional mandate. (KNS)
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