On 12 September 2025, Chandrapuram Ponnusamy (C. P.) Radhakrishnan was officially sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India, in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The oath of office was administered by President Draupadi Murmu, marking the conclusion of a closely watched transitional phase in India’s political leadership.
Radhakrishnan had emerged victorious in the vice-presidential election on 9 September, defeating former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy by a margin of 152 votes. He secured 452 votes while Reddy received 300, in a poll where 767 out of 781 Members of Parliament voted, of which 752 ballots were valid.
The election had been called after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as Vice President on 21 July, citing health reasons. Dhankhar was present at the swearing-in—his first public appearance since stepping down.
Also in attendance were senior leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President J. P. Nadda, and former Vice Presidents Venkaiah Naidu and Hamid Ansari. The ceremony was short but carried strong symbolism, underscoring continuity in constitutional norms.
At 67, Radhakrishnan brings decades of political experience, including his roles as governor of multiple states, former MP, and a long-time member of the BJP. Analysts suggest his tenure will be closely observed for how he balances the ceremonial duties with the moral authority that comes with the vice presidency, particularly in presiding over the Rajya Sabha.
