NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan won the Vice Presidential election with a 152-vote margin on Tuesday. He defeated opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy in a one-sided contest.
The election took place after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation. Consequently, Radhakrishnan will take oath as the 15th Vice President of India on September 12.
Meanwhile, 767 MPs voted, but 15 ballots were declared invalid. Since seven parliamentary seats are vacant — six in the Rajya Sabha and one in the Lok Sabha — the total electoral college strength stood at 788.
Cross-Voting Sparks Political Speculation
Initially, the NDA expected 438 votes, including 427 of its own and 11 from YSRCP. However, Radhakrishnan ultimately received 452 votes, which was 14 more than predicted.
As a result, there was widespread speculation of cross-voting from the opposition side. In addition, 13 MPs abstained, including leaders from BJD, BRS, SAD, and a few independents.
Later, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh claimed that all 315 opposition MPs voted, yet Reddy received only 300 votes. “The Opposition has stood united. ALL of its 315 MPs have turned up for voting. This is an unprecedented 100% turnout,” he wrote on X.
Therefore, Congress announced it would investigate potential cross-voting, according to party sources.
BJP Confident of Victory
Subsequently, BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal said the NDA never doubted its win. “We were relaxed that we had reached our goal. It was on their side that people thought they should not vote for one of the urban naxals and did not vote for the opposition candidate,” he said.
Furthermore, Jaiswal revealed that NDA leaders held talks with opposition MPs before the election.
Radhakrishnan’s Political Journey
Significantly, Radhakrishnan, 67, is the Governor of Maharashtra and a veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu.
He began his political journey with the RSS and Jan Sangh. Later, he served two terms in the Lok Sabha, representing Coimbatore during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government.
Eventually, he rose to become the BJP’s state president in Tamil Nadu. Before his swearing-in, he will meet BJP MPs at Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s residence in New Delhi.
Leaders Extend Congratulations
Immediately after the results, President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Radhakrishnan and praised his experience. She said his service would contribute greatly to India’s progress.
Similarly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Radhakrishnan’s commitment to public service. “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.”
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2025
Moreover, Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted his grassroots journey. “Your sagacity as a leader who has risen from the grassroots and your knowledge of administration will help bring out the best in our parliamentary democracy,” Shah wrote on X.
Opposition Raises Concerns
On the other hand, Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition, congratulated Radhakrishnan but expressed worries about Dhankhar’s abrupt exit. “We hope the new Vice President-elect will uphold the highest ethos of Parliamentary traditions, ensuring equal space and dignity for the Opposition, and not succumb to pressures of the ruling dispensation,” he said.
Additionally, he urged the Vice President’s office to remain independent and protect democratic values.
Clear Win, Lingering Questions
Ultimately, Radhakrishnan’s emphatic victory strengthened the NDA’s position in Parliament. However, the mystery of extra votes left the opposition facing internal doubts and rising tension.