C. P. Radhakrishnan Sworn in as India's Vice President Amid Opposition Controversy

C. P. Radhakrishnan sworn in as India’s 15th Vice President; win sparks opposition debate over ideology, neutrality & Rajya Sabha role.

Ellofacts Ellofacts
Sep 13, 2025 - 09:49 Updated: Sep 13, 2025 - 09:56
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C. P. Radhakrishnan Sworn in as India's Vice President Amid Opposition Controversy

Introduction

On 12 September 2025, Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan (often referred to as C. P. Radhakrishnan) was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India. His election came after a contested process featuring ideological clashes between the ruling coalition (the NDA) and the opposition alliance (INDIA bloc). His swearing-in has generated both praise and criticism, reflecting the polarized nature of current Indian politics. This article explores the history, controversies, key facts, advantages/disadvantages, significance, and final thoughts about this development.

Who is C. P. Radhakrishnan & How Did He Become Vice President?

Profile & Background

  • Full name: Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan 

  • Born on 20 October 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu. 

  • Began political life early: involvement in RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and Jan Sangh.

  • Held multiple roles:

    • Two-term Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore during the Vajpayee era. 

    • Several gubernatorial assignments: Governor of Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and most recently Maharashtra. 

  • Known as non-confrontational, relatively untainted by scandals, seen as having administrative experience.

The Election

  • The Vice Presidency became vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on 21 July 2025, citing health reasons

  • NDA (BJP and its allies) nominated C. P. Radhakrishnan. 

  • The opposition bloc (INDIA alliance) nominated B. Sudershan Reddy, former Supreme Court judge. 

Voting and Result

  • Date of election: 9 September 2025

  • Number of valid votes: 752 out of 767 votes cast (total electors ~781). 

  • Result: C. P. Radhakrishnan won with 452 votes, Reddy got 300 votes. Margin: 152 votes. 

  • Sworn in on 12 September 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. 

What Are the Controversies / Opposition Topics Behind the Election

While the process was constitutional, there are several points of contention raised by opposition parties, media, and analysts:

  • Ideological Battle

    • The opposition framed the election as more than a contest for a constitutional office; they said it symbolized a struggle between democratic pluralism and a more majoritarian / nationalistic politics.

    • Supporters of Radhakrishnan (NDA) said this win is a “victory of nationalistic ideology.” 

  • Perception of Partisanship in the Role

    • There is concern from opposition parties that the Vice President, particularly when presiding over Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament), may act in ways that favour the ruling side. Given past vice presidents, notably Jagdeep Dhankhar, had frequent clashes with opposition in Parliament, there is mistrust. 

    • There are reminders by opposition that this constitutional role must be impartial. Some have invoked the legacy of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s warnings about preserving democracy.   

  • Timing and Vacancy

    • The vacancy came mid-term (Dhankhar’s term was to end in 2027). This caused political speculations about why resignation occurred, possible health vs political motives. 

  • Regional / Caste / Representation Dynamics

    • C. P. Radhakrishnan is from Tamil Nadu (South India), from a socially significant community in that region (Kongu Vellalar). His candidature is seen as helping NDA’s representation in the South. 

    • How much that regional balancing influences selection of high constitutional offices is a matter of debate.

  • Concerns about Role of Governor Experience

    • Some in opposition might view his gubernatorial roles as political or too linked with the party-agenda (given governors are appointed), questioning whether gubernatorial experience ensures neutrality in presiding over Parliament.

Key Points / Latest Updates

  • Election result certified by Election Commission: confirmed Radhakrishnan as the 15th Vice President. 

  • At the oath-taking, leaders across political spectrum attended: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposition leaders etc.

  • Radhakrishnan in his initial statements emphasized cooperative federalism, managing Rajya Sabha with minimal conflict, and focusing on development leading up to 2047 (India’s centenary of independence).

  • He is being portrayed by NDA as clean, experienced, and someone who can handle the responsibilities of chairing Rajya Sabha without exacerbating partisan conflicts. 

Important & Significance Factors

Why this is important

  • The Vice President is the second highest constitutional office in India. The Vice President is also ex-officio Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, which has significant procedural, legislative, and oversight roles. So who occupies the office matters in practice.

  • The election and swearing-in also send political signals: representation, ideology, how the ruling coalition wants to project itself, and how the opposition responds.

  • Given current political polarization, even “ceremonial” constitutional posts are viewed as strategic.

Advantages, Positives & Disadvantages, Negatives

Here are what seem like the pros and cons of Radhakrishnan’s appointment, from different perspectives.

Advantages / Positives Disadvantages / Criticisms / Negatives
Experience & Clean Image: He has held several positions (MP, Governor of multiple states) and is considered relatively untainted, which may bring credibility.  Potential Bias / Partisanship: Given his political background (RSS, BJP) some fear he may lean toward NDA positions when in the Chair, especially in procedural rulings.
Regional Representation: Being from Tamil Nadu, he adds to South Indian representation in high constitutional office, which helps national balance. Symbolic Role vs Real Power: Vice President’s role is limited; in many cases the effectiveness depends on how actively the person uses the office. Ruling party dominance in Parliament limits ability of any Chair to be fully neutral.
Potential to Reduce Conflict: His non-confrontational persona may lead to fewer clashes in Rajya Sabha, more dignified proceedings. Opposition Discontent: The opposition may feel the process was skewed, or the term "ideological battle" used by NDA may alienate sections who see the role as above partisan politics.
Signal of Stability: Filling the vice presidency after the mid-term resignation shows constitutional continuity. Expectations Management: Many will expect him to restrain partisanship, but given history, everyday politics may pressure this. If he is seen as not impartial, criticisms will mount.

Final Thoughts & Conclusion

C. P. Radhakrishnan’s swearing-in as India’s 15th Vice President emerges at a moment of deep political division, where constitutional offices are not perceived purely as ceremonial but as arenas of ideological assertion. On one hand, his administrative track record, regional identity, and stated focus on cooperative federalism and decorum in Rajya Sabha are promising signs.

On the other hand, expectations are high and skepticism remains: can he navigate the demands of neutrality in a polarized environment? Will the practical functioning of Rajya Sabha under his chairmanship be smoother, or will opposition charges of partiality persist? These will define how successful or reconciliatory his tenure is seen.

In conclusion, Radhakrishnan’s ascension to this role carries both symbolic and operational weight. It signifies the ruling coalition asserting its ideological vision, but also risks deepening debates over the nature of impartiality in constitutional positions. The true test will lie in how Radhakrishnan balances ceremonial dignity with political realities, and whether he can lead the Rajya Sabha in a way that respects both decorum and democratic dissent.

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