C. P. Radhakrishnan, veteran politician and former Governor of Jharkhand and Telangana, has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India. Backed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes in the election held in Parliament on Tuesday. His rival, retired Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy, who was fielded by the opposition INDIA bloc, received 300 votes, while 15 ballots were found invalid.

The election was necessitated after former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down in July citing health concerns. Members of both Houses of Parliament participated in the voting process, with over 96 percent turnout recorded.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radhakrishnan, expressing confidence that his decades of experience in public service and reputation for being a non-confrontational leader will strengthen parliamentary democracy. Opposition candidate Reddy conceded defeat but underlined that the contest reflected ongoing ideological differences between the ruling and opposition alliances.

Radhakrishnan, a long-time member of the Bharatiya Janata Party with roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has earlier represented Coimbatore in the Lok Sabha and held multiple organisational roles. As Vice President, he will also serve as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, responsible for presiding over its sessions.

His election further consolidates the NDA’s presence in key constitutional offices. With this victory, Radhakrishnan steps into a role that places him at the center of legislative proceedings and positions him to act as President if that office falls vacant.