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

 

New Delhi, September 9, 2025 – CP Radhakrishnan was officially sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India in a dignified ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu in the presence of top political leaders and dignitaries.

The 68-year-old veteran leader, a former Governor of Maharashtra and the NDA’s nominee, emerged victorious in the Vice Presidential elections held earlier this month. Radhakrishnan defeated opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy in a contest that drew nationwide attention.

 Radhakrishnan succeeds Jagdeep Dhankhar, who stepped down due to health reasons, thereby concluding his term as Vice President. The transition marks a new chapter in India’s constitutional and political framework, with Radhakrishnan assuming responsibility as the second-highest constitutional authority and the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

 The swearing-in ceremony, conducted at Rashtrapati Bhavan, was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cabinet ministers, and senior leaders from across the political spectrum. The event highlighted both the solemnity and the importance of the Vice President’s role in steering parliamentary discussions and ensuring smooth functioning of the Upper House.

 The proceedings were broadcast live by The Federal, a news channel known for its in-depth political coverage and analysis. The channel emphasized the significance of Radhakrishnan’s elevation in India’s current political landscape, noting his administrative experience and long-standing political career as valuable assets to his new role.

 Vice President CP Radhakrishnan’s Journey

CP Radhakrishnan’s political journey spans more than four decades, marked by consistent service and leadership. Beginning his career with grassroots politics in Tamil Nadu, he rose through the ranks of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the party’s presence in southern India.

He has served as a two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore and has been actively involved in various parliamentary committees. His contributions include work in areas of commerce, industry, and social welfare.

Radhakrishnan was appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand and later Maharashtra, where he was noted for his calm leadership and ability to bridge differences across political lines. His administrative acumen and ability to handle complex issues earned him respect both within his party and across the political spectrum.

Known for his simple lifestyle, grassroots connections, and focus on social harmony, Radhakrishnan has often emphasized the importance of inclusive development and cooperative federalism. His elevation to the Vice Presidency is seen as recognition of his long-standing service, dedication, and ability to engage constructively in national politics.

Observers believe his tenure as Vice President will be marked by an emphasis on dialogue, consensus-building, and strengthening democratic institutions.

Reactions from Political Leaders

The swearing-in of CP Radhakrishnan drew an outpouring of reactions from leaders across India’s political spectrum, reflecting both admiration for his journey and expectations for his tenure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, saying: “Radhakrishnan ji embodies dedication, humility, and service to the nation. His leadership will strengthen the functioning of our parliamentary democracy.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, calling him “a seasoned leader whose political maturity will enrich Rajya Sabha proceedings.”

In Tamil Nadu, the response was deeply personal. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin described the moment as historic: “For a son of Tamil Nadu to rise to this constitutional position is a matter of pride. We trust he will represent the concerns of the southern states with fairness.”

Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President, offered cautious congratulations, stating: “We welcome his appointment but hope that as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he will ensure neutrality, fairness, and genuine debate without silencing opposition voices.”

BJP allies, including N. Chandrababu Naidu of the TDP and Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, hailed the victory as a reflection of Radhakrishnan’s credibility and long public service.

Meanwhile, Left leaders like Sitaram Yechury acknowledged his personal integrity but underscored their concerns: “The Rajya Sabha must remain a space for dissent and constructive opposition. The Vice President’s role will be tested in this regard.”

Across Tamil Nadu, regional parties like the AIADMK and PMK also welcomed his elevation, noting that it signaled greater representation for the south in India’s constitutional framework.

Overall, the reactions underscore both the goodwill Radhakrishnan commands across parties and the high expectations surrounding his new role as the custodian of the Upper House.

International Reactions

CP Radhakrishnan’s elevation as India’s 15th Vice President has drawn attention beyond India, particularly among South Asian countries and the global Tamil diaspora.

In Sri Lanka, several Tamil political organizations and civil society groups expressed optimism that his appointment could strengthen India’s engagement with Tamil communities in the region. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) released a statement noting: “We welcome Mr. Radhakrishnan’s appointment and hope that his experience and understanding of Tamil issues will contribute positively to regional peace and cooperation.”

Global Tamil diaspora communities, especially in Canada, the UK, and the US, celebrated the news on social media platforms. Diaspora organizations emphasized pride in seeing a leader of Tamil origin reach one of India’s highest constitutional offices, viewing it as a source of inspiration for younger generations.

Several South Asian political analysts remarked that Radhakrishnan’s appointment signals India’s inclusive federal approach, recognizing leaders from diverse regions and communities. They noted that his Tamil Nadu background could bring a nuanced perspective to issues involving southern India and the broader Tamil population internationally.

Even international media outlets covering South Asia highlighted the ceremony, emphasizing its constitutional significance and noting Radhakrishnan’s long administrative experience, parliamentary expertise, and role in promoting federal dialogue within India.

Overall, the international response reflects a mix of regional pride, diplomatic interest, and anticipation of constructive leadership in India’s parliamentary processes.