vice presidential election

 

C. P. Radhakrishnan Elected as Vice President of India in Early Elections

India witnessed a rare political event on 9 September 2025, when early vice-presidential elections were held following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar due to health concerns. Dhankhar, who had been serving as the 14th Vice President of India, stepped down before the completion of his term, making this the first early election for the office since 1987.

Constitutional Provisions

The Indian Constitution provides a clear framework for such situations. Article 67 states that the Vice President of India holds office for five years. However, when the post becomes vacant due to resignation, death, removal, or any other reason, Clause (2) of Article 68 directs that an election must be conducted “as soon as possible.” Acting on this provision, the Election Commission of India announced the election schedule on 1 August 2025, giving political parties and candidates little more than a month to prepare.

The Election Process

The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members from both Houses of Parliament—the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Interestingly, nominated members of the Rajya Sabha are also entitled to vote, unlike in the presidential election where they are excluded.

The eligibility criteria are straightforward: the candidate must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, qualified to become a member of the Rajya Sabha, and must not hold any office of profit. Voting is conducted through a secret ballot, ensuring independence and confidentiality in the decision-making process.

On 9 September, polling was conducted in Room F-101, Vasudha, Parliament House, New Delhi, between 10 am and 5 pm. Members of Parliament arrived throughout the day to cast their votes in one of the most closely watched vice-presidential contests in recent years.

The Result: A Narrow Victory

At around 7:30 pm IST, the returning officer Pramod Chandra Mody announced the eagerly awaited result. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate, C. P. Radhakrishnan, emerged victorious. However, the margin of victory was strikingly slim—just 152 votes, making it the narrowest result in the last two decades of vice-presidential elections.

Radhakrishnan’s victory underscores both the NDA’s organizational strength and the fierce competition put up by the opposition, which had hoped to turn the unusual timing of the election to its advantage. Analysts noted that while the ruling alliance managed to retain the post, the close contest reflected shifting dynamics within Parliament.

Historical Significance

This election holds particular importance for two reasons. First, it was the first early vice-presidential election in nearly four decades, signaling how unexpected political developments can alter constitutional timelines. Second, the narrow victory margin points to changing balances in India’s parliamentary politics, where contests for high offices are becoming more competitive than before.

What Lies Ahead

As Vice President, C. P. Radhakrishnan will also serve as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, a role that requires balancing political differences, ensuring smooth functioning of the House, and upholding parliamentary traditions. With a Parliament that is often sharply divided on key issues, his performance in this capacity will be closely watched.

For citizens, the election is a reminder of how India’s democratic and constitutional mechanisms adapt to changing circumstances. While the resignation of a sitting Vice President is unusual, the seamless conduct of the election demonstrated the resilience of India’s parliamentary democracy.