Oath ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
New Delhi: The oath-taking ceremony of Vice President-elect Chandrapuram Ponnusamy (CP) Radhakrishnan is scheduled for the morning of Friday, 12 September, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office to the newly elected Vice President.
According to a senior source from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the time was chosen as it was considered auspicious. Invitations are being extended to senior leaders of the ruling coalition and other dignitaries to attend the swearing-in.
Vice-presidential election result
Radhakrishnan, the NDA’s nominee, was elected as the 15th Vice President of India on Tuesday, defeating Opposition candidate and former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy. He secured 452 votes, while Reddy managed 300.
Announcing the result, Rajya Sabha Secretary General and Returning Officer PC Mody said that 767 out of 781 MPs cast their votes, marking a high turnout of 98.2 per cent. Of these, 752 ballots were declared valid, while 15 were invalid. This brought the required majority of first-preference votes down to 377.
On paper, the NDA commanded the support of 427 MPs. However, Radhakrishnan’s tally was boosted by 11 votes from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). The final result showed he received 14 votes more than expected, fuelling speculation about cross-voting from the Opposition camp.
Prime Minister Modi congratulates
Soon after the declaration of results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radhakrishnan and expressed confidence that he would serve the country with distinction.
“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 values and enhance Parliamentary discourse,” Modi posted on X.
Abstentions in voting
The election also saw 13 MPs abstain from casting their votes. These included seven MPs from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), four from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), one MP from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and one Independent. Political observers said the abstentions reflected internal calculations within these parties, which chose to stay away from a direct contest between the NDA and the Opposition.
Political significance
Radhakrishnan’s election is being seen as a comfortable victory for the NDA, which demonstrated strong floor management in Parliament. His candidature also received support beyond the coalition, signalling cross-party goodwill. Analysts suggest his tenure as Vice President will be significant, as he presides over the Rajya Sabha during a politically charged period with contentious legislation expected to be tabled.
At 66, Radhakrishnan brings decades of political experience from Tamil Nadu, where he has served both as a parliamentarian and a party leader. Supporters say his reputation as a grassroots politician committed to social causes will shape his role as the country’s second-highest constitutional authority.
Conclusion
The swearing-in of CP Radhakrishnan as the 15th Vice President of India on 12 September will mark the beginning of his five-year term at a crucial time in national politics. With strong backing from the ruling NDA and support from unexpected quarters, his role will be closely watched as he takes charge of the Rajya Sabha and contributes to shaping India’s parliamentary discourse.