Historic Milestone 2025: C P Radhakrishnan Sworn In as 15th Vice President of India at Grand Ceremony
C P Radhakrishnan takes oath as the 15th Vice President of India in 2025 during a historic ceremony, marking a new chapter in the nation’s leadership
Chandrapuram Ponnusami Radhakrishnan Friday took oath as the 15th Vice President of India. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan at around 10 am.
Radhakrishnan, 67, won the vice-presidential election on September 9, defeating the Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy by a margin of 152 votes. Radhakrishnan, an old-time RSS and BJP leader, secured 452 of the 752 valid votes polled, with 15 declared invalid, against Reddy’s 300.
The election was necessitated by the sudden resignation of former vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, citing health issues. Dhankhar was also in attendance at the oath-taking ceremony on Friday, making his first public appearance since his resignation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president J P Nadda, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla were among those who attended the programme. Former vice presidents Hamid Ansari and Venkaiah Naidu were also present at the ceremony. Leaders of Opposition in both Houses – Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge – skipped the ceremony.
Radhakrishnan was elected India’s 15th Vice-President on Tuesday, defeating B Sudershan Reddy by a margin of 152 votes. The outcome came as a jolt to the Opposition bloc, whose hopes of securing at least 320-plus votes appeared to have been dashed by cross-voting.
Radhakrishnan first rose to prominence in the late 1990s. He won the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat in 1998 and 1999 with record margins for the state, establishing his credibility in western Tamil Nadu — a region historically challenging for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He later served as Tamil Nadu BJP president from 2004 to 2007 and became a member of the party’s National Executive. In February 2023, he was appointed Jharkhand’s governor and moved to Maharashtra in February 2024.
Colleagues describe him as ideologically rooted in the Sangh yet pragmatic in governance. His straightforward approach and relatively clean image distinguish him in a political landscape often fraught with rivalries and corruption scandals.
India witnessed a historic political milestone as C P Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India in a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on Friday. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s leadership, with leaders across party lines extending congratulations and highlighting the importance of the Vice President’s office in shaping parliamentary democracy.
The solemn oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cabinet ministers, senior judges, opposition leaders, and distinguished dignitaries from across the country. The ceremony was steeped in tradition, with the national anthem played as the Vice President took his place among the country’s top constitutional authorities.
As per protocol, the Vice President also assumes the position of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). With this new role, Radhakrishnan will now preside over parliamentary debates, ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings, and maintain the dignity and neutrality of the Upper House.
Born in 1957 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, C P Radhakrishnan is a seasoned political leader with decades of experience in public life. A senior member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he has previously served as a two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore and held various organizational responsibilities within the party.
Known for his disciplined approach, simplicity, and deep connect with grassroots workers, Radhakrishnan has also played a key role in strengthening the BJP’s base in southern India. His elevation to the Vice President’s office is being seen as a recognition of his long years of dedicated service to the party and the nation.
The oath ceremony witnessed rare political unity, with leaders from both ruling and opposition benches extending warm wishes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Radhakrishnan’s appointment, stating:
“C P Radhakrishnan ji brings with him rich experience, humility, and a deep commitment to public service. His leadership will add immense value to the working of our Parliament and democratic institutions.”
Opposition leaders, too, acknowledged the importance of his new role. A senior Congress leader remarked that the Vice President’s office “rises above political affiliations and demands impartiality,” expressing hope that Radhakrishnan would uphold the dignity of the post with fairness.
The Vice President of India, being the second-highest constitutional office in the country after the President, carries significant responsibilities. Apart from presiding over the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President plays a crucial role in ensuring legislative balance, acting as a bridge between the government and the opposition.
In times of political turbulence, the role demands impartiality, tact, and strong adherence to constitutional values. Observers believe that Radhakrishnan’s calm demeanor and reputation as a consensus-builder will help maintain harmony within the often heated debates of the Upper House.
Across the nation, political commentators and the public have welcomed the appointment. Social media platforms were abuzz with congratulatory messages, with hashtags like #CPRadhakrishnan, #VicePresidentOfIndia, and #IndianDemocracy trending within hours of the ceremony.
Many from Tamil Nadu expressed pride over his rise to one of the country’s top constitutional posts, highlighting the symbolic importance of regional representation at the highest levels of governance.
With the new Vice President officially sworn in, attention now shifts to the upcoming Parliament session, where Radhakrishnan will preside over debates as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. His ability to steer discussions, manage disruptions, and ensure smooth legislative functioning will be closely watched in the coming months.
As India navigates complex challenges in governance, economy, and global diplomacy, the Vice President’s office remains a pillar of democratic strength. C P Radhakrishnan’s tenure, beginning with this historic oath-taking, is expected to shape the course of parliamentary functioning in the years ahead.
