Kashmir, September 12, 2025 – In a solemn and ceremonial event at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Shri Chandrapuram Ponnusamy (C P) Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India today, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s political landscape. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to the Vice President-elect at 10:30 a.m., amidst the presence of dignitaries, parliamentarians, and leaders from across the political spectrum.The swearing-in ceremony, a highlight of India’s democratic traditions, underscores the seamless transition of leadership following Shri Radhakrishnan’s election on September 9, 2025. As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee, Shri Radhakrishnan secured a resounding victory with 452 valid preferential votes against the opposition INDIA bloc’s candidate, Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, who received 300 votes. This margin of 152 votes reflects the strong parliamentary support for the NDA’s vision of nationalistic governance.Shri Radhakrishnan, a seasoned administrator and RSS veteran, brings over five decades of public service to the esteemed office. Born on May 4, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from V.O. Chidambaram College in Thoothukudi. His political journey began in his youth with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Jana Sangh, evolving into key roles within the BJP. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in 1998 and 1999, served as Tamil Nadu BJP state president from 2003 to 2006, and currently holds the position of Governor of Maharashtra.
Notably, he becomes the third leader from Tamil Nadu to occupy the Vice Presidency, following Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Krishan Kant.The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who earlier congratulated Shri Radhakrishnan on his election, stating, “I am confident that he will be an outstanding VP, who will strengthen our Constitutional values.” Former Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned abruptly on August 17, 2025, was also present, symbolizing continuity. Invitations were extended to Leaders of Opposition from both Houses of Parliament, ensuring a bipartisan aura to the proceedings.In his post-oath remarks, Shri Radhakrishnan emphasized his commitment to upholding constitutional values and fostering inclusive development. “This victory belongs to the nationalistic ideology that has guided our nation’s progress. I pledge to work tirelessly towards making India a developed nation by 2047,” he said, echoing sentiments from his election victory speech. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded his “humility, integrity, and deep commitment to service,” while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted how Shri Radhakrishnan’s experience would “strengthen India’s democratic traditions.”The election process, certified by the Election Commission of India, saw over 98% voter turnout among the 781-member electoral college comprising members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Thirteen MPs abstained, including representatives from Biju Janata Dal, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, and Shiromani Akali Dal, while 15 votes were invalidated. The YSR Congress Party’s unexpected support bolstered the NDA’s tally beyond its base of 427 MPs.As Vice President, Shri Radhakrishnan will also assume the role of ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, where his legislative acumen is expected to enhance parliamentary discourse. His elevation comes at a pivotal time, with the government focusing on economic reforms and social empowerment, areas close to his heart from his grassroots work in empowering the poor and marginalized.The event concluded with a ceremonial guard of honor and the national anthem, attended by family members, including his wife, Smt. R. Radha, whom he married in 1985. President Murmu extended her best wishes via an official statement: “Your decades of rich experience in public life will contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.”This swearing-in ceremony not only celebrates Shri C P Radhakrishnan’s illustrious career but also reaffirms India’s robust democratic framework.
