CP Radhakrishnan Sworn in as India’s 15th Vice President

India witnessed a historic political event today as C.P. Radhakrishnan officially took oath as the 15th Vice President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu in a grand ceremony attended by senior political leaders, constitutional functionaries, and dignitaries from across the country.

This swearing-in marks the beginning of a new chapter in Indian politics, as Radhakrishnan assumes the role of Vice President and ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, a constitutional position critical to maintaining balance and order in parliamentary proceedings.

The Swearing-In Ceremony

• Venue: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi

• Administered By: President Droupadi Murmu

• Key Attendees: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, Governors, and Opposition leaders.

• Special Guests: Prominent leaders like N. Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan were present, underlining the political importance of the event.

The atmosphere was ceremonial yet politically charged, as Radhakrishnan’s elevation comes amid debates about cross-voting in the Vice Presidential elections that tilted the outcome in NDA’s favor.

Who is C.P. Radhakrishnan?

C.P. Radhakrishnan, a seasoned politician from Tamil Nadu and a loyal member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has had a long journey in public life:

• Former Member of Parliament from Coimbatore (Lok Sabha).

• Known for being soft-spoken yet rooted in ideology, with deep connections to the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh).

• Served as the Governor of Jharkhand and Maharashtra (additional charge) before his election.

• Widely regarded for his consensus-building abilities and clean political image.

His election represents both continuity and change—continuity of the NDA’s dominance in constitutional posts, and change in terms of regional representation, with Tamil Nadu leaders rarely being elevated to such high offices.

The Election Drama: Cross-Voting and Opposition Divide

The 2025 Vice Presidential election was not without controversy. Though the NDA was confident of its numbers, the margin of victory turned out to be wider than expected due to cross-voting by Opposition MPs.

• I.N.D.I.A. Bloc Troubles: Reports suggest several MPs from the INDIA bloc voted in favor of the NDA’s candidate, exposing cracks within the Opposition alliance.

• Congress Reaction: Senior Congress leaders have demanded a probe into the extent of cross-voting, with Manish Tewari and others voicing concerns over what they called “vote theft.”

• Government Response: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju publicly thanked Opposition MPs who “voted with their conscience.”

This episode has triggered a larger debate on the future of the INDIA bloc, which was already facing challenges of cohesion.

Political Reactions

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radhakrishnan, calling him a leader of “humility, discipline, and service.”

• Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, present at the ceremony, expressed confidence that Radhakrishnan would strengthen the democratic traditions of the Rajya Sabha.

• Opposition Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and others skipped the event, signaling political friction.

• BJP Cadre and RSS Functionaries hailed the appointment as a moment of pride for Tamil Nadu and the southern states.

Family and Personal Story

An emotional dimension was added when Radhakrishnan’s mother recalled that her son was named after Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice President and second President. She said, “It finally happened by God’s grace.”

This symbolic connection adds historic weight to his rise as the new Vice President of India.

Challenges Ahead for the New Vice President

As Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, C.P. Radhakrishnan will face significant responsibilities:

• Ensuring Order in Rajya Sabha – The Upper House has often witnessed disruptions; restoring decorum will be key.

• Balancing Neutrality – As debates intensify between the ruling NDA and Opposition INDIA bloc, Radhakrishnan must maintain impartiality.

• Regional Representation – His elevation could serve as a bridge to expand BJP’s footprint in Tamil Nadu and southern India.

• Consensus Building – Passing crucial bills and constitutional reforms will require tactful handling of conflicting political interests.

The Broader Significance

• For NDA: The victory cements its hold over top constitutional positions.

• For Opposition: The loss exposes deep fissures in unity, raising questions about INDIA bloc’s 2029 strategy.

• For Indian Democracy: The role of Vice President remains crucial in safeguarding parliamentary traditions and ensuring robust debates.

Conclusion

C.P. Radhakrishnan’s swearing-in as India’s 15th Vice President is more than just a ceremonial event—it is a political milestone. While the NDA celebrates a decisive win, the Opposition faces introspection. For the people of India, the hope is that the new Vice President upholds the dignity of the office, restores faith in parliamentary proceedings, and contributes to strengthening democratic values.

As he takes charge, all eyes will be on how Radhakrishnan navigates the complex political landscape of today’s India.