C. P. Radhakrishnan Sworn In as India’s 15th Vice President

Chandrapuram Ponnusami Radhakrishnan was officially sworn in on Friday as the 15th Vice President of India in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at around 10 a.m. in the presence of dignitaries, senior leaders, and members of Parliament. This marks a significant political milestone in Radhakrishnan’s decades-long career as a leader deeply rooted in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Radhakrishnan, who is 67 years old, secured his position through the vice-presidential election conducted on September 9. In a competitive race, he faced Opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy. The contest concluded with Radhakrishnan defeating Reddy by a margin of 152 votes, showcasing the ruling party’s solid support base in Parliament. Out of the total 752 valid votes polled, Radhakrishnan received 452 votes, while Reddy managed 300. Additionally, 15 votes were declared invalid during the counting process.

The result of the election not only underscored the numerical advantage of the BJP-led ruling alliance but also highlighted the influence and trust Radhakrishnan has built over the years within the political establishment. His association with the RSS and BJP dates back several decades, and he has played a key role in organizational work, policy advocacy, and party-building exercises at various levels. His strong grassroots connect and loyalty to the ideology of the Sangh Parivar have positioned him as a dependable leader within the party fold.

Becoming the 15th Vice President of India, Radhakrishnan steps into a role of immense constitutional responsibility. The Vice President serves as the second-highest constitutional authority after the President and acts as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament. This role requires the Vice President to maintain neutrality, uphold parliamentary decorum, and ensure smooth functioning of the legislative process.

Radhakrishnan’s election is particularly significant as it reflects the BJP’s continued dominance in national politics. The decisive victory margin points to the party’s effective floor management and its ability to rally support even in high-stakes elections. It also indicates the fragmentation and relative weakness of the Opposition, which failed to consolidate a broader base of support behind its candidate, B. Sudershan Reddy.

For Radhakrishnan, this new position represents both recognition and responsibility. His political journey has spanned grassroots-level activism, legislative engagement, and leadership roles within the party structure. The oath-taking ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan symbolizes not only his personal achievement but also the trust reposed in him by his colleagues and the ruling establishment.

Going forward, Radhakrishnan will be expected to bring balance, dignity, and impartiality to parliamentary proceedings while navigating an increasingly polarized political climate. His tenure will likely be closely watched for how he manages debates, ensures fairness in the Rajya Sabha, and maintains the delicate equilibrium between government and Opposition voices.

In summary, C.P. Radhakrishnan’s swearing-in as India’s 15th Vice President marks the culmination of a long political career rooted in the RSS-BJP framework. His emphatic victory in the vice-presidential election underscores the ruling party’s parliamentary strength and confidence. As he assumes office, Radhakrishnan faces the dual challenge of honoring his party’s trust and fulfilling the constitutional duty of impartiality expected from the nation’s Vice President.